§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what legal advice she has sought on the policy in the Royal Parks constabulary to set retirement age levels depending on length of service; [32659]
(2) whether it is her policy to permit some officers in the Royal Parks constabulary to work until 65 years of age and not others; and if she will make a statement. [32655]
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§ Dr. HowellsResponsibility for the subject of these questions has been delegated to the Royal Parks Agency and I have asked its Chief Executive, William Weston, to reply.
Letter from William Weston to Mr. Chris Grayling, dated 7 February 2002:
I have been asked by the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport to reply to your Parliamentary Questions about the retirement age of officers of the Royal Parks Constabulary, as this is an operational matter which has been delegated to the Royal Parks Agency.Prior to 1st January 1994 the normal retirement age for officers was 60, but those with less than 20 years service can work until they have completed 20 years service or reached the age of 65, whichever is the sooner, subject to continued satisfactory performance.Under an agreement with the Trade Union, all officers recruited after 1st January 1994 retire at the age of 60, regardless of their length of service, in line with the standard conditions for non-uniformed staff in the Agency.The Agency has not sought legal advice on this matter.