§ 1. Mr. Gammansasked the Postmaster-General why an instruction has been issued to telephone managers to the effect that Civil Service pensioners re-employed as temporary male clerical officers must, on reaching the age of 65 years, either leave the service or accept down-grading to the post of clerical assistant; and whether he will reconsider this instruction, in view of the declared policy of the Government to retain in employment as long as possible men over retiring age.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe instruction referred to was issued locally under a misapprehension and is being cancelled.
§ Mr. Hutchinsonasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the declared policy of His Majesty's Government to encourage persons in the older age groups to continue in employment, he will now review the rule hitherto followed in his Department not to re-employ retired post office employees who have passed the age of 60 years.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThere is no Post Office rule which prohibits re-employment of retired employees over 60 years of age but if the hon. and learned Member has any particular case in mind, I shall be glad to investigate it.