§ 48. Mr. Wyattasked the Prime Ministerm whether, in view of the continual increase in longevity stimulated by the discoveries of medical science, he will recommend the setting up of a Royal Commission to review the age limits for retirement throughout the public service and for all those holding positions to which they have been officially appointed, and to make recommendations.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. The House will be aware that the Minister of Labour and National Service has recently set up a National Advisory Committee on the Employment of Older Men and Women, which is considering among other things retirement policy and practices in all fields of employment, including the public service.
§ Mr. WyattIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is grave public disquiet that his right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government should have given Lord Beveridge a year's notice to quit on the ground that he is 73 years of age, when there are older persons who are occupying even more responsible positions? Is it not time that the question of the relation between the age of a person and his capacity to do his job should be reviewed in the light of the discoveries of medical science?
§ The Prime MinisterThis Question, although it may be prompted by the hon. Member's own ambitions, is nevertheless one which has always been decided hitherto in accordance with the opinions of a majority of the House of Commons.