§ 16. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many men and how many women are employed in his Department.
§ Mr. PeartOn 1st July 1976 the numbers of men and women employed full-time in my Department were 9,218 and 5,808 respectively. Additionally, 91 men and 784 women were employed part-time.
§ Mr. JannerDo men and women employed in the Department have a right to retire at the same age? If so, is this not a right that should be extended to all workers in agriculture, bearing in mind that so many agricultural manual workers suffer from back ailments but still have to work until they are 65 years of age?
§ Mr. PeartMy hon. and learned Friend seeks to raise a wide question. I am satisfied that the recruiting of staff is fair and 2113 consistent. There is no question of discrimination between the sexes.