asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the reasons for the decision of the Western Regional Board to enforce the retirement of all officers in their asylums and mental institutions who have reached the age of 60 years.

I am informed by the Western Regional Hospital Board that they have taken no such decision, and that in fact many mental health officers over the age of 60 are employed in the region.

Is my hon. Friend aware that that answer is very welcome indeed, because there is a very widespread belief that these officers are being discharged?