§ Mr. Roebuckasked the Minister for the Civil Service why an advertisement inviting people with experience of responsible work at a senior level to apply for posts in the Home Civil Service, inserted in page 11 of The Guardian on 4th June last, stipulated that candidates should be under the age of 52 years, save for existing temporary members of the administrative class of the Civil Service; and whether he will make the posts offered available to people of suitable experience and ability above that age.
§ Mrs. HartThe advertisement in question was for permanent and pensionable posts as principal in the administrative class, and the age limits were fixed, in accordance with general policy, in the light of such factors as the nature of the work, the age structure of the class, and the length of training that a new entrant will need. On this basis the upper age limit was set at 51, except for people already serving in the administrative class in a temporary capacity to whom the foregoing considerations do not apply to the same extent. A higher upper age limit would not be realistic, since new entrants to the administrative class have a good deal to learn whatever their background; and the present age limits ensures that they can give a reasonable2W period of useful service before they reach the minimum age of retirement. I therefore regret that I cannot accept the suggestion in the last part of the Question.