§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many rent officers over the age of 70 years were notified of compulsory retirement by 31st March 1975 as a result of his Department's letter dated 3rd September 1974 under reference H5/782/7; how many of these have since received gratuities; and what was the average amount of gratuity paid.
§ Mr. ShoreThe Department's letters of 3rd September 1974 under the reference quoted by the hon. Member dealt with the circumstances in which discretionary gratuities might be paid and not with compulsory retirement. The Department has been informed of the retirement of 17 rent officers over 70 years of age during 1974 and 1975, but this information may be incomplete. 10 of the 17 officers mentioned received gratuities. The average amount was £1,700.