HC Deb 15 May 1959 vol 605 c200W
Mr. Grimond

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied that 31 years of age is not unduly low as the upper limit for acceptance of psychologists by the Civil Service Commission; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Simon

Yes. As a general rule it is desirable that a psychologist starting on a career in the Civil Service should be relatively young; an upper age limit is also important in securing a reasonable age structure. But there might be special circumstances which could justify raising it.

Mr. Grimond

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why emergency service does not count in the reckoning of age for applicants for posts as psychologists in the Civil Service Commission.

Mr. Simon

To allow emergency service in Her Majesty's Forces, or other forms of war-time public service, to be deducted from a candidate's age would have virtually the same effect as raising the upper age limit by several years. The concession has therefore been confined to membership of the Regular Forces, or of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service.