§ 52. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the proposed dismissal of temporary women clerks from the Savings Bank or other Departments?
Mr. SAMUELDepartments cannot undertake to retain the services of temporary women clerks employed by them after the work on which they are engaged has come to an end. But after careful consideration I feel justified, in all the circumstances, in renewing for another year, that is until the 1st January, 1030, the pledge I gave last year, namely, that no efficient temporary woman clerk who has since 1st January, 1926, or earlier, been employed continuously in any headquarter establishment shall be discharged from that establishment to make room for a successful candidate from any open competition for established Writing Assistant or Clerical Class (Women) held after 1st January, 1926.
Sir F. HALLWill my hon. Friend give the same promise with regard to temporary ex-service civil servants?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question does not arise.
§ Mr. LANSBURYWhile acknowledging the reply of the Financial Secretary, I wish to ask whether, in the period between now and the end of the next year, something cannot be done and some rearrangement be made so that these women can be prevented from having these notices given to them in the way that has been done hitherto, and so that they may settle down?
Mr. SAMUELThis subject has always our continuous and sympathetic attention. The hon. Gentleman can depend upon that.