asked the Minister of Labour the number of ex-officers of over 40 years of age of whom his Department has particulars and for whom employment has not yet been found; and the number of such officers placed in employment by his Department during the last 12 months.

Statistics of this particular age-group are not available. Of the 5,918 unemployed ex-officers who were seeking employment through the Appointments Department on 10th November last, 2,381 or 40 per cent. were over 45 years of age. During the 12 months ended 10th November, 6,663 ex-officers of all ages were placed in employment.