asked the Minister of Labour whether he will introduce legislation to empower his Department to hold, or to sponsor, courses to prepare those about to retire for their retirement.

No, Sir.

Has the Ministry received from a conference called by the Redbridge Education Committee in conjunction with the Redbridge Council of Social Service a request for such courses in view of the increasing number of people who are retiring with years of useful life in front of them?

Yes, Sir. We are aware of the Redbridge resolutions, but I would point out that the Industrial Training Act, as it is at present, does not cover this position, whereas education committees are in a position to offer such training, so I would suggest that in this case the matter should be taken up with the local education authorities.