Oral Answers to Questions — Employment – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 18 March 1947.
Mr David Williams
, Neath
12:00,
18 March 1947
asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that some employers are terminating the employment of men who reach the age of 65 years, even though these men are efficient at their jobs and are anxious to remain in industry; and whether, in view of the shortage of manpower, he proposes to take any action in the matter.
Mr George Isaacs
, Southwark North
I would certainly deprecate the discharge of efficient workers for no other reason than that they have reached a particular age, and I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to paragraph 124 of the Economic Survey for 1947.
Mr David Williams
, Neath
As well as asking workers to stay in industry, will my right hon. Friend also appeal to employers to allow them to stay?
Mr George Isaacs
, Southwark North
Yes, Sir, that has been done with very successful results.
Mr Harold Davies
, Leek
Is my right hon. Friend aware that this seems to be taking place in some Government Departments, where workers are in productive industry? I have had letters to that effect.
Mr George Isaacs
, Southwark North
I am grateful for the information which my hon. Friend has given to me.
Major Donald Bruce
, Portsmouth North
Will my right hon. Friend get into touch with the First Lord of the Admiralty, with a view to avoiding automatic discharges from the Royal Dockyards at the retiring age of 65?
Mr George Isaacs
, Southwark North
I think that it would be more direct if my hon. and gallant Friend put a Question to my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty.
Mr Benjamin Parkin
, Stroud
Is my right hon. Friend aware that this also appears to be taking place in the barber's shop of the House of Commons?
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