§ Mr. SALTERasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether civilian subordinates in Army pay offices are now retired at the age of sixty, and debarred from the privilege accorded to civilian subordinates in other Army Departments of remaining on until they have attained the age of sixty-five; and, if so, will he state the reasons for the distinction made and for the withdrawal of this privilege from civilian subordinates serving in the pay department?
§ Colonel SEELYRetirement at sixty has always been the rule for these subordinates in pay offices, experience showing that retention to sixty-five would not promote efficiency in the discharge of their special duties. Some exceptions from this rule were made during the period of war pressure, when the department was short-handed.