HC Deb 31 July 1998 vol 317 c709W
Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many(a) men and (b) women aged over 60 years were employed by (i) his Department and (ii) his Department's agencies on 1 January. [53066]

Mr. Chris Smith

[holding answer 30 July 1998]: On 1 January my Department employed four women aged over 60. No staff over 60 were employed by the Royal Parks Agency on that date.

Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many(a) men and (b) women employed by (1) his Department and (2) his Department's agencies have contracts of employment which permit them to retire after their 60th birthday. [53042]

Mr. Chris Smith

[holding answer 30 July 1998]: No staff in my Department have terms and conditions of employment which permit them to retire after their 60th birthday. However, staff may be retained beyond age 60 if there is an exceptional need for their services. In the Royal Parks Agency one man and two women have contracts which specifically allow them to work beyond 60 subject to the needs of the Agency, continued good health and efficient performance. These are reviewed annually.