§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that an Order has been issued in regard to the officers of His Majesty's Customs stating that after the close of the current financial year officers of all ranks may be required to retire on attaining the age of 61; and, if so, can he state the number of officers now in the service who are over the age of 61; and whether such order will be made applicable to them?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe hon. Member no doubt refers to the Order issued on 10th October last. The number of established officers in the Customs service who are now over 61 is 36. The Order has been 2013W enforced in certain branches of the indoor and outdoor service, and its application to other branches is for further consideration.