HC Deb 26 February 1952 vol 496 cc116-7W
65. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the growing difficulties of those men and women over 40 years of age and especially over 50 years of age obtaining alternative employment following dismissal from Government service; and whether he will alter previous decisions about this matter and take this factor into consideration before such action is taken.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The order of discharge of temporary non-industrial staff on redundancy is according to length of service; those in first go out last. This follows on agreement between the Staff and Official Sides of the Civil Service National Whitley Council. I am not satisfied that there are sufficient grounds for departing from an agreement which seems to me to be fair, both to individuals and to the Service. The Ministry of Labour and National Service will make every effort to find alternative employment for those discharged.