§ 105. Colonel Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that, in their Report on the appointment of ex-service men to posts in the Civil Service, the Lytton Committee considered that the work of the Pensions Issue Office could satisfactorily be performed by men, and further reported that, owing to a pledge having been given by a former Minister of Pensions that women would be retained in this branch of the Pensions Ministry, they regretted they were precluded from recommending that substitution by ex-service men should be effected in this office on the same scale as in other Government Departments; if he will state the date upon which this pledge was given; whether it was given in writing and in what form; whether it was given on behalf of the Government; and whether the Government were consulted before any such pledge was given?
§ Major TRYONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The pledge referred to was given orally by my right hon. Friend's predecessor on the 17th December, 1919, to a deputation, and it has been regarded by the Lytton Committee as binding.