§ 2. Mr. SNOWDENasked the President of the Board of Trade whether a number of women have been engaged by the Ministry of Munitions Shell Department at Blackburn through one of the ladies connected with the Red Cross work at Blackburn, and that these women are in a position where they do not need to work from necessity; and, seeing that at the time these women were given employment there were on the books of the Labour Exchange at Blackburn the names of a number of women desiring employment in such occupation as a means of livelihood, will he take steps at once to stop women of means from taking away the livelihood of poor women?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Pretyman)I understand that the facts are broadly as stated by my hon. Friend. I agree as a general principle that in cases in which duly qualified women of a class needing to work for their living are unemployed preference should be given to them in selecting candidates for munition work. I am considering what steps should be taken to secure this.
§ Mr. SNOWDENIn regard to this particular case, will the Board of Trade displace these women who do not need the work and give the places they are filling to women who are on the register and who do need the work?
§ Mr. PRETYMANI cannot undertake that.
§ Mr. SNOWDENWhat other steps can be taken?
§ Mr. PRETYMANI have already answered that we will look into the question and see what can be done.