asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if the Circular No. 18/36, dated the 28th February, 1936, on the subject of the compulsory retirement of officers of local authorities is intended to have the force of an Order requiring all officers of local authorities to retire at the age of 65 years, and, if so, if he will state under which of the powers vested in him this Order has been made, and whether, having regard to the hardship such Order shall inflict on such officers, he will consider the advisability of extending the operation of this Order to a period of not less than three years from this date.

The circular letter is intended to be an intimation to local authorities that it is essential to fix an age for compulsory retirement and that normally 65 is a fit period at which local officers should relinquish office. No Order has been made. Effect will be given to the circular letter by local authorities under their existing powers. In certain circumstances a period of six months grace can be allowed and it is not considered advisable to extend the period of grace to three years as proposed.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, might I ask if he would consider the matter of granting some discretionary power to the local authorities to extend the period of retirement in cases where satisfactory proof of good health and efficiency were shown?

Any case that the local authorities wish to put up to me with regard to individual officers will certainly get full consideration.

Are we to understand that the age of 65 is going to be fixed by the Department, or have the local authorities discretionary power to fix any age that they think would be reasonable?

It is our inten tion to fix the age of 65 generally.

But the Minister has not fixed 65 by Order?

No. No Order has been made.

So the Minister will consider the opinions of the local authorities in this matter?

The Department of Local Government and Public Health always does that.

Does the Minister consider that the local authorities have any power in the matter other than to make recommendations to the Department?

They have power.

Will the Minister give the reference?

Am I to understand that the local authorities have complete discretion in this matter, that the age rests with themselves?

They have not complete and final discretion. That rests with the Minister.