HC Deb 31 January 1955 vol 536 cc690-1
44. Mr. Jay

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what general directions he has given to the nationalised industries for which he is responsible instructing them to comply with the recommendations affecting the retirement age contained in paragraphs 50–52 and 65–67 of the First Report of the National Advisory Committee on the Employment of Older Men and Women.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

None, Sir. Without any direction, the boards of the nationalised industries have said that they will give effect to the recommendations in the report so far as is practicable.

Mr. Jay

Is the Minister following this matter up to see what actually happens, and is he satisfied with the response so far?

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Yes, Sir; and by way of illustration I can tell the right hon. Gentleman that the other day I was talking to a surface foreman of a colliery who had been working at that same pit for 62 years.