22. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Transport how many women were employed on the British rail ways on the 11th November, 1918; the number employed at the present time; and whether, considering the number of demobilised soldiers and sailors who are out of employment, he will forthwith take steps to dispense with the services of women employed on work generally recognised as men's work replacing them as far as possible by discharged soldiers and sailors?
Sir R. WILLIAMSThe number of women employed by the fourteen principal British railway companies on the 11th November, 1918, was 55,797. On the 30th July, 1919, which is the latest date for which the figures are available, the number has been reduced to 34,545. Most of the women still employed are only retained temporarily pending the return of the men who left the companies' service 13 to join the Army and have not yet been demobilised, but who have been promised that the positions which they left shall be kept open for them. The desirability of giving employment as far as possible to demobilised sailors and soldiers is fully realised.
§ Mr. BILLINGAre we to understand that 38,000 railway employés are still not demobilised?
§ Mr. WATERSONMay I ask if any steps have been taken by the Ministry of Transport to secure the demobilisation of these men in order to get on with the making of vehicles that will remove the congestion of traffic in the country?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question should be addressed to the Secretary of State for War.