§ Mr. Roebuckasked the Secretary of State for Defence why an advertisement for Royal Air Force clerical staff, inserted by his Department in page seven of the Daily Telegraph of 4th June last, stipulated that candidates should be under 60 years of age; and whether he will make the posts offered available to people of suitable experience and ability above that age.
§ Mr. BoydenThis was an advertisement inviting applications for permanent32W posts in the Air Force Department as distinct from posts which might have to be filled to meet some unusual temporary flow of work. The rules for filling this type of post that have been agreed between the Civil Service Department and the Staff Side of the National Whitley Council prescribe an upper age limit of 59. This is the maximum age at which staff can be established, i.e. given permanent and pensionable status, and this limit is governed by the minimum age of retirement for established staff, i.e. 60. There is no age limit for the recruitment of temporary staff. If the response to the advertisement in question is disappointing I should be willing to consider applications from older people.