§ Mr. Leachasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how long the rule not to engage anyone over 55 years of age for technical, professional or administrative service in any Government Department has operated; and whether the restriction of age is working to the satisfaction of all Departments concerned?
§ Captain CrookshankI am not aware of any such rule for temporary appointments, and there is no general bar to the engagement in the Government Service in the present exceptional circumstances of persons over the age mentioned. The hon. Member will appreciate that it may be necessary in the interests of efficiency to fix a lower age of recruitment for particular posts.