§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on her Department's policy towards people working after the age of 65 years; and how many such people are so employed(a) by her Department and (b) on a sub-contracted basis. [19904]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 30 November 2001]The Department's maximum age of retirement for staff of all grades is 65. Exceptionally staff may be retained beyond that age, for a short period, where it is essential to meet business needs. Two such staff are currently employed.
406WIn addition, records show that 110 temporary veterinary inspectors aged 65 and over were appointed during the foot and mouth disease emergency.
Departmental contracts for subcontracted work do not specify an age criterion.