asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the large number of unemployed men who are about 50 years of age; and what action is being taken to help these men to find employment and to persuade employers that a man is not too old at 50.

I am much concerned about this problem and have on several occasions appealed to employers in general not to impose unduly low age limits, and representations are made to particular employers when this point arises. After consultation with the Appointments Department Advisory Council, I am seeking the assistance of employers' associations and Chambers of Commerce. The age distribution of the working population is changing and employers must realise that their staffs will have to include a higher proportion of older men.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that this disability does not still apply in the case of many Government Departments? Will he look into that aspect, particularly in relation to the Ministry of Transport, which disqualifies men from receiving appointments as driving instructors or examiners if they are over the age of 41?

I have no information about that. If my hon. Friend has any complaint about that Ministry, perhaps he might take it up with them. The Government are not following a policy of saying, "Too old at 50."

Would not the Government be doing the right thing if they stated to employers that the Government are setting an example by employing some of these unemployed people of 50 or over themselves, and are also asking local authorities to do so?

That is, in fact, what I propose to say when I meet these organisations.