§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will extend the job release scheme for men aged 62 and 63 years after 31 March 1984.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkWe have no plans to change the age limits for the job release scheme already announced for the period 1 April 1984 to 31 March 1985.
The existing full-time scheme will be open until 31 March 1984 to men from the age 62, to disabled men from the age 60 and to women aged 59; from April 1 1984 the age limit for men will be raised from 62 to 64; women will continue to be eligible at 59 and disabled men from age 60.
The part-time job release scheme, open to the same age groups covered by the present full time schemes, will continue until 31 March 1985.