§ 51. Mr. Deedesasked the Minister of Labour what plans the British Transport Commission has submitted to him, under Section 95 of the Transport Act, 1947, for retaining employees beyond the retiring age of 65 in suitable cases.
§ Sir W. MoncktonSection 95 of the Transport Act, 1947, does not impose any obligation on the British Transport Commission to submit to me any plans which the Commission may have for retaining employees beyond the retiring age of 65.
§ Mr. DeedesIs my right hon. and learned Friend satisfied that certain nationalised industries, British Railways in particular, are doing all that they might to encourage skilled labour aged over 65 to remain at work?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI have drawn the attention of the British Transport Commission, as part of the general approach I made to private industry, nationalised industry and central and local government, to the general policy of extending the employment of older persons. I have had a reply from the Commission that they are implementing this policy so far as circumstances permit, and where there are schemes which operate now which require retirement at a fixed age, they are being reviewed in conjunction with the trade unions concerned.
§ Mr. CallaghanDoes the Minister think that his moral position will be stronger if he can say the same thing about his own Department?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI am quite prepared to answer a question about my Department, if it is put down, I hope to the satisfaction of the hon. Gentleman.