asked the Minister of Labour if he will give an estimate of the expected addition to the labour force in 1947 in response to the Government's appeal in Cmd. 7046 for the continuance at work of men of retiring age.

It is not possible to form an estimate. The number of men aged 65 and under 70 who would normally be expected to retire from work in 1947 is approximately 65,000, and it is hoped that a large proportion of these men will continue in employment.

Will the Minister encourage these men to stay at their work by not making any deductions from their retirement pay?

I do not make any deductions from their pay.

But some of the right hon. Gentleman's colleagues do.

I do not know that any deduction is made.

Could my right hon. Friend say whether he has been in touch with the First Lord of the Admiralty to ensure that men of retiring age, who wish to continue at work, may have the opportunity to continue their employment in the Royal Dockyards?

If that is a question for the First Lord of the Admiralty, the hon. and gallant Member ought to put it down for him to answer.