27. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for War if any married women are now employed in the Contracts Department of the War Office who are not necessarily dependent for their means of livelihood wholly or in part upon their earnings from such employment; and, if so, will he take steps to discharge such persons and to fill the positions with ex-Service men, in view of the number of them still without employment?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr. James Hope)I have been asked to reply, as the Army Contracts Department has been transferred to the Ministry of Munitions. There are no married women employed in the Department in question who are not dependent, wholly or mainly, upon their earnings therein. The whole question of the employment of ex-Service men is engaging the earnest attention of the Minister, and steps have already been taken to dispense with the service in other Departments of the Ministry of married women not dependent upon their official 225 earnings, and to replace them, where necessary, with ex-Service men, preference being given to disabled men and others who have served overseas.