HC Deb 01 July 1968 vol 767 cc1067-8
15. Sir B. Rhys Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what steps she is taking to encourage a higher proportion of the total population over school-leaving age to enter employment.

Mr. Fernyhough

The employment, training and rehabilitation services which my Department provides or assists are available to those seeking employment and are developed to meet changing needs.

Sir B. Rhys Williams

Is not the problem, which is a matter of concern for us all, not merely that old people in this country are tending to live longer and to be active longer but that they are still expected to retire at the same age? Could not the Government take some action to encourage the provision of employment for older people, including taking steps to get rid of the earnings rule?

Mr. Fernyhough

The Government's local employment offices are always requesting employers to judge men on their merits rather than on their age.

Mr. Gwilym Roberts

Does my hon. Friend not agree that the greatest single contribution which the Government could make to getting more people over school age at work would be to make it illegal for people to live on inherited and invested wealth?

Mr. Fernyhough

My hon. Friend had better put that question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. R. Carr

Does the hon. Gentleman recall that some ten years ago we had a special Committee looking at the problems of the employment of the old? Quite rightly, it was dissolved after it had done a certain amount of work. Will the Government consider whether it is appropriate, ten years later, to have another review?

Mr. Fernyhough

I will ask my right hon. Friend to consider that point.