§ 31. Mr. Rentonasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he proposes to discuss with the European Economic Community Commission proposals for redundancy payments at 50 years of age for employees in declining industries such as shipbuilding, steel and textiles.
§ Mr. Jim LesterMy Department maintains contact with the European Commission on a range of employment issues including matters of redundancy and early retirement. But these contacts are not expected to include discussion of specific inducements to retire at age 50.
In general, these matters are best left to be determined by employers and unions in the light of their own, particular circumstances.
Questions about particular industries are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry.