HC Deb 08 July 1919 vol 117 cc1605-6
68. Mr. ROWLANDS

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the number of women employed at the Army Pay Office, Upper Thames Street, the number of them under eighteen years of age, and the number above that age who have claims for special consideration on account of having lost their husbands in the War?

Mr. FORSTER

The number of women employed at the Army Pay Office, Upper Thames Street, is 327, the number of these under eighteen years of age is sixty-eight, the number above eighteen years who have claims for special consideration on account of having lost their husbands in the War is seven.

Mr. ROWLANDS

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of bringing back some of the discharged men in place of those among the women who have no special claim?

Mr. FORSTER

In view of the figures that I have just quoted, I have directed a special inquiry to be made into the whole of the circumstances.

69. Mr. ROWLANDS

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the ex-soldiers who were appointed to posts in the Army Pay Office, Upper Thames Street, had to pass an examination before being appointed; and whether the men who have been discharged have not been discharged for inefficiency, but on the ground of the reduction of the staff, and have been given credit for the satisfactory way in which they performed their duties?

Mr. FORSTER

I am inquiring into this, and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Colonel ASHLEY

If it is proved that any of the men who have been discharged were not inefficient, will they be replaced in their posts if women are doing the work?

Mr. FORSTER

I hope that my hon. and gallant Friend will allow me to complete my inquiries before saying anything further.