§ 2. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Minister of Labour if he will give instructions to the officials operating the Professional and Executive Register that they should give special help to applicants over the age of 50 years.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Richard Marsh)All our employment officers, including those working on the Professional 3 and Executive Register, are instructed to do what they can to persuade employers to consider older people on their merits. Even where an employer has set an age limit, suitable older workers are included amongst those selected for submission.
§ Mr. SmithIs the Joint Parliamentary Secretary aware that, while his recent interest in this subject is appreciated, there is nevertheless the feeling that some of the officials of the Professional and Executive Register tend not to press as hard as they should the claims of those over 50? Is he aware that the numbers placed in employment are still very small, and will he do what he can to improve the position?
§ Mr. MarshI am sure that the hon. Gentleman accepts that this is a very difficult problem for the staff of the Professional and Executive Register, not least because a lot of employers are very worried about the possibility of blocking employment for younger people by retaining older people for too long; but I accept the spirit behind his Question.