Captain MACDONALDasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a number of prison officers at Parkhurst and elsewhere are being compelled to retire from the Service at the age of 55 years; and if he will state the Act of Parliament under which this policy is directed?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSUnder the Superannuation (Prison Officers) Act, 1919, subordinate prison officers are able to retire with a pension at the age of 55. This privilege carries with it the corresponding liability to be called on to retire by the head of the Department at any time after reaching the pensionable age of 55. The case of each subordinate officer is accordingly reviewed by the Prison Commissioners when he reaches the age of 55 and 1271W periodically thereafter, and a decision is taken as to whether, in the interests of the Service, the officer's services should be continued.