Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked why women secretaries are not allowed to use the room set apart for the use of secretaries of Members; and whether, in view of the fact that some Members have women as secretaries, he will make adequate provision for them?
Mr. DUDLEY WARDIt is not thought desirable that women secretaries should be introduced into the room set apart for Members' private secretaries; but the Grand Committee room in Westminster Hall is at their disposal whenever available. The First Commissioner is considering a scheme for re-arranging the men secretaries' room in order to afford some slight relief to the occupants.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTWill the hon. Member consider the advisability of reversing the situation by giving the women secretaries the more comfortable and suitable room at present devoted to the men, and banish the men secretaries to the shades of the Grand Committee room?
Mr. DUDLEY WARDI think the Grand Committee is the more suitable and more comfortable room of the two.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTWhat is to be done when the Grand Committee room is being used by the Grand Committee?
Mr. DUDLEY WARDThe Grand Committee have only used the room twenty-nine times since last February, and never after four o'clock.