§ Colonel Sir GODFREY COLLINSasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that several men of sixty-five years of age and over who have been continuously employed at Woolwich and Greenock in the Government factories have been warned for discharge; if a notice has been posted in the factory at Greenock inviting all hands to refrain from leaving, as there was sufficient work for at least twelve months; and, as these men, who loyally stood by the Government during the War, are still under notice, will he take steps to secure to them the right to work as long as they are able and willing to do so?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Ordnance factories at Woolwich do not come under the Admiralty, and, in the time available, it has not been practicable to obtain the necessary details from Greenock. I should explain, however, that the rule at Admiralty establishments is that retirement shall take effect on reaching the age of sixty, but in exceptional cases employés may be allowed to remain on from year to year, if found fit, until they reach the age of sixty-five. Men over sixty-five years are not retained. I may add that arrangements have recently been made for men in the Naval Ordnance Store Depot at Woolwich to be retained, subject to certified fitness, up to the age of sixty-five.