§ Mr. Martinasked the Paymaster General what is the current practice of each nationalised industry as to the general retirement ages of (a) men and (b) women, respectively; and if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's plans, and the time scale, for equalisation.
§ Mr. LangThe Government do not collect information about the practice of nationalised industries regarding retirement ages for employees: this is a matter for the individual industries. The Government have tabled amendments to the Sex Discrimination Bill currently before Parliament to give women the right to work to the same age as their male colleagues. We intend this to come into operation 12 months after the Bill receives Royal Assent.