§ Mr. Hirstasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has any plans to extend the job release scheme to all men over the age of 60 years.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkI have no plans to change the age limits for the job release scheme already announced for the period until 31 March 1985.
The existing full-time scheme will be open until 31 March 1984 to men from the age of 62, to disabled men from the age of 60 and to women aged 59; from April 1984 to 31 March 1985 the age limit for men will be raised from 62 to 64; women will continue to be eligible at 59 and disabled men from the age of 60.
A part-time job release scheme, open to the same age groups covered by the present full-time schemes, will be open for applications on 8 August 1933 and allowances will be paid from 3 October. This scheme will continue until 31 March 1985.