§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the Postmaster-General if he could state the reason why at the last three examinations for women clerkships in the Post Office the total number of vacancies announced was forty, whereas in 1908 at two examinations there-were 320 vacancies; would he state if the decrease was due, or in part due, to the action of the Post Office in reducing the staff of women clerks; and, if this were so, on what grounds was that being done?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIn 1908 many additional duties in the Savings Bank were entrusted to women, and accordingly an exceptionally large number of women clerks had to be recruited. The number of appointments filled last year may now be regarded as normal, though fluctuations must constantly occur in the rate of vacancies in every class.