HC Deb 21 February 1952 vol 496 cc422-3
44. Mr. Malcolm McCorquodale

asked the Minister of Labour what conclusions he has reached on the proposal made by his right hon. Friend the Member for Epsom for a committee to examine, on a broad basis, the question of the employment of elderly workers.

Sir W. Monckton

Yes, Sir. I am proposing to appoint a Committee whose terms of reference will be to advise and assist me in promoting the employment of older men and women. The Chairman of the Committee will be my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour, and the membership will cover both sides of industry, the Government Departments principally concerned, local authorities, medicine, research, social science and welfare.

I am glad to say that in appointing this Committee I am carrying forward the policy of my predecessor in the late Government, and I look forward to much constructive help.

Mr. McCorquodale

While thanking my right hon. and learned Friend for his announcement, which will be widely welcomed from all sides of the House, may I ask whether the inquiry will include both wage and salary earners, and people in private employment as well as in civil and local authority employment?

Sir W. Monckton

I will consider that.