HC Deb 24 February 1921 vol 138 c1106
10. Mr. W. SHAW

asked the Minister of Pensions if his attention has been drawn to the statement that there are over 800 women employed in the Man chester regional director's office, whereby ex-service men are being prevented from obtaining employment in that city; and what action he is taking in the matter?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for giving me the opportunity of correcting, this statement, which completely misrepresents the actual facts. There are, in the regional office of the Ministry at Manchester, 112 women, of whom only 14 are engaged upon clerical work. At the same time, there are 925 men employed, of whom 897 are ex-service men. Of this latter number 407 were disabled in the War.

Mr. SHAW

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that as many ex-service men as possible are employed?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Yes. No Ministry employs more ex-service men.