HC Deb 21 April 1955 vol 540 cc332-3
4. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Labour what percentage of registered male unemployed are aged over 45 and 65 years, respectively.

Sir W. Monckton

Age analyses of the numbers of unemployed persons are obtained only at six-monthly intervals, and the latest date for which figures are available is 6th December, 1954. At that date the total number of males registered as wholly unemployed in Great Britain was 154,556, of whom 186 per cent. were between 40 and 50 years of age, 392 per cent. were between 50 and 65 years of age, and 27 per cent. were aged 65 and over. A sub-division at the age of 45 is not available.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Do not these figures show that an unduly high percentage of persons are unable to get work merely because of their age? Why are the Government so ruthless in pushing older people to one side—even a great Prime Minister—merely because they are old, and even though they are quite capable of doing a useful job of work?

Sir W. Monckton

I should not like to hear anything said about the age group between 40 and 65, which is a very satisfactory group, but I and my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary are doing all we can—and I did something on Monday last—to try to encourage people to appreciate what virtues there are in employing people of middle age, both men and women.

Mr. P. Williams

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that, certainly in the North-East of England, people are aware of, and grateful for, the work that has been done by the voluntary committees in relation to the employment of older people?

Sir W. Monckton

Yes.