§ Mr. Critchleyasked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the future of the Inter-Departmental Committee to encourage research into the employment problems of older workers.
§ Mr. HareYes. The Committee was set up in May 1959 to identify those problems connected with the employment of older workers on which research 127W might be desirable, to foster such research as necessary and to bring the results to the attention of industry.
The Committee has met only twice. I have recently reviewed the need for its continuance, and I have come to the conclusion that the necessary collaboration in this field between Government Departments can be equally well secured without the existence of a formal committee. I have, therefore, given instructions that the Committee should be wound up.
I wish, however, to make it clear that my Department will continue to take an active interest in research into the employment problems of older workers, and will do all it can to bring the results of such research to the notice of industry.