HC Deb 09 December 1919 vol 122 c1106
15. Mr. HAYDAY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a large number of girls employed as clerks at the Labour Corps Records, Nottingham, are under notice, and are not entitled to a gratuity on leaving; and whether he will consider the desirability of granting a gratuity to them the same as to the Army Pay Corps, Women's Royal Air Force, and the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, who have been engaged on similar work?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Clerks serving on an ordinary civilian engagement are not entitled to a gratuity, and I regret that none can be given.

Mr. HAYDAY

Is it a fact that these same persons were called on to sign agreements to remain on six months after Peace was declared, and has not that unfairly handicapped them in returning to pre-war occupations?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The gratuity is kept for persons who took on a military engagement and to reopen the terms would rather lead the House into channels of expenditure altogether indefinite in their scope.

Mr. ATKEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a shortage of girls for labour in Nottingham, and also a large number of discharged soldiers wanting places?