HC Deb 21 February 1921 vol 138 cc547-8
43. Sir P. MAGNUS

asked the Prime Minister whether women now temporarily employed in the Civil Service and desiring to remain at their posts are required to pass a qualifying examination in such elementary subjects as English, arithmetic, and general knowledge; and, if so, whether women, who are graduates of a British or Irish university and whose services have been recognised as satisfactory, and who wish to continue in their present occupation, might be exceptionally exempted from the necessity of passing such examination?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Baldwin)

I have been asked to reply. The temporary Regulations for competitions governing the appointment of women to situations in the administrative class or in other grades superior to the junior grade of the clerical class, make provision for the holding of a qualifying examination in the subjects mentioned, as in the case of male candidates competing for similar appointments under the Regulations for the appointment of men who had served in His Majesty's Forces in the War.

Sir P. MAGNUS

May not men and women be exempt from this small competitive examination if they have already taken a degree in a university?

Mr. BALDWIN

This Regulation was regarded as a temporary arrangement, and I had no complaint until I saw my hon. Friend's question. This is applicable to all alike, and it would be rather difficult to make such a discrimination as he desires.

Sir W. DAVISON

Will women who have given satisfactory service during the War be exempt from competition of young women who are now going in for these positions?

Mr. BALDWIN

I will look into that.