§ Mr. KILEYasked the Postmaster-General the number of controlling and superintending officers of all ranks in the London postal service who, having reached sixty years of age, have been retained to meet the departmental exigencies brought about by the War; whether he has considered in this connection the resultant detrimental effect on many officers, themselves rapidly approaching the age limit, who have been deprived of promotion by these retentions; and will he consider whether some compensation can be granted to mitigate this hardship?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThere are eighty-seven controlling and superintending officers in the London postal service who are over sixty years of age. Some of these would no doubt have remained on duty beyond the age of sixty even in normal times, as retirement at sixty is not compulsory, provided that efficiency is maintained. The effect on the prospects of other officers is recognised, but I cannot entertain any claim to compensation on this account.