§ Mr. KENNEDYasked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether it is with his knowledge that instructions have been given for the discharge of workmen of 70 years of age and over in the Royal parks irrespective of their ability to perform a normal day's work; and whether, in view of the fact that the Regulation relative to discharge at a certain age has been in abeyance for many years and the hardship that will be inflicted on these men owing to the conditions prevailing regarding employment which make it extremely unlikely that these workmen will be able to obtain other employment, he will withdraw the instruction for the time being?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe First Commissioner has decided to revert to the rule which has been in abeyance since 1914, that all men must retire at the age of 70 unless the Board are satisfied that they are capable of efficiently performing as full a day's work as younger ex-service men, of whom there are many in urgent need of employment. The fact that the former are entitled to old age pensions and in many cases are qualified for a gratuity has influenced the First Commissioner in this decision.