asked the Minister of Labour if he is yet able to make a statement about the negotiations to encourage Government Departments and the nationalised industries to retain their employees after the age of 65 years if they are fit and anxious to continue at work.

Mr. Lee:

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer to a similar Question on 5th June.

Will the Minister treat this as a matter of urgency as, for example, in the railway industry people are still being discharged against their will on reaching the age of 65?

Mr. Lee:

Yes, Sir. We are very concerned about it. We have brought our policy to the attention of the industries concerned, and we will do everything that we can to see that it is carried out.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his original announcement was made in April, that it is now nearly the end of July and the Government have not yet made up their minds? Meanwhile, men who are reaching 65 are still being dismissed from the Service Departments. Will he look into this matter?

Mr. Lee:

It is not true to say that the Government have not made up their minds. Our policy is well known, and we have done what we can. The hon. and gallant Gentleman will realise that very necessary re-arrangements have to be made in industries to do this. We cannot expect people to alter their whole policy and make other arrangements in a short space of time when for many years they have been functioning on a very different basis.