HC Deb 20 January 1975 vol 884 c225W
Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether there is any reluctance on his part to employ persons over the age of 50 years who are members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons who have been out of the profession for a period and wish to re-enter as vets in his veterinary service.

Mr. Bishop

Age and recent employment are not of themselves conclusive; candidates have to be up to date in their professional knowledge and fit enough to undertake the exacting duties involved. On average, younger candidates are more likely to meet these requirements, but in the past two years 20 per cent. of new recruits have been over age 50.