§ Mr. AMMONasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the number of extensions beyond the age of 60 years, made in accordance with the recognised procedure in Northern Ireland, is abnormally large; that an excessive proportion of such retentions have been sanctioned among outdoor supervising officers at the Belfast office; that no fewer than six inspectors and assistant inspectors of postmen out of a total of 10 such officers have been granted extensions; and whether, in the circumstances, he will take steps to reduce the number of retentions in Northern Ireland and in this or other grades in which it is above the normal level?
§ Viscount WOLMERI am aware of the circumstances referred to by the hon. Member. I am satisfied that there has been no departure in Northern Ireland from the recognised principles under which extensions of service beyond the age of 60 are granted in the Post Office generally; and I can find no justification for modifying those principles in the present instance.