Mr. R. Duckworthasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the early ages at which men in different Departments of State are pensioned, he will investigate the whole issue with a view to seeing whether a later retiring age is advisable?
§ Sir J. SimonThe general position is that the head of a Department may call upon an officer serving in his Department to retire at any time after reaching the age of 60; retirement is compulsory on reaching the age of 65. The Royal Commission on the Civil Service (1929–31) reviewed this arrangement and in paragraph 684 of their report they stated that they did not "recommend any change in the present position whereby discretion is left to heads of Departments to call upon officers to retire at any time between their 60th and 65th birthdays." I see no need for the further investigation suggested by my hon. Friend.