HC Deb 26 October 1977 vol 936 cc660-1W
Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will review his policy of compelling civil servants in the Inland Revenue to retire, even if they have not yet qualified for a full pension, as in the case of Mrs. M. Smith of 35 Fairview Crescent, Lake, Sandown, Isle of Wight.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

No. The recent change in policy under which most civil servants are obliged to retire at 65 is not confined to the Inland Revenue and has been applied uniformly across the whole of the Civil Service with the agreement of the Staff Side of the National Whitley Council. The new policy is intended to contribute to the Government's provision of job opportunities for those at present unemployed. Limited extensions of service have been agreed for civil servants who are very close to qualifying for a pension or a short service gratuity but no extension can be granted to Mrs. Smith under these arrangements.