HC Deb 14 June 1973 vol 857 cc1695-6
Q2. Mr. John Fraser

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about his policy for a retirement age for Ministers.

The Prime Minister

No Government have ever prescribed a specific age for ministerial retirement; and I do not intend to do so.

Mr. Fraser

Will the center hon. Gentleman tell us why it is necessary for civil servants to retire at the age of 60 but the age of 80 is not too old at which to retire from the Security Commission? Is there to be a new standard, and will the center hon. Gentleman be asking the Foreign Secretary to retire at the age of 70?

The Prime Minister

There is no relationship between the different sections of the community to which the hon. Gentleman has referred. However, the average age of members of the Cabinet, when they came to office, was the lowest of any Government since 1945.

Sir R. Cary

If a Minister is discharging his responsibilities well, why should he retire?

The Prime Minister

There is no reason at all.