§ 67. Captain BOWYERasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in demobilising women workers at the War Office, widows and dependants of fallen sailors and soldiers have already been discharged; whether married women and single girls not thus bereaved are still being retained; and whether steps will be taken to see that these widows and dependants are retained at their work until every married woman and single girl not thus dependent has been discharged?
Captain GUESTI am informed that no widows or dependants of fallen soldiers or sailors have been discharged from service at the War Office, unless for inefficiency, or on account of the cessation of the work on which they were employed. Married women and single girls have been dealt with on similar lines. The course suggested in the last part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is impracticable, if only on account of the regard which must be paid to the efficient performance of the work of the Office, and I regret that I cannot see my way to adopt it.