HC Deb 10 May 1922 vol 153 cc2188-9
83. Major HILLS

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why other work was found in the Public Trustee Office for the lower clerical men in that Department when their own work was redundant owing to re-organisation, whereas the lower clerical women, in similar circumstances, were turned out of the Department; and why, in view of the fact that the men and women were working side by side in the same sections, it was not decided to declare the clerks redundant according to the length of their service, and not according to their sex?

Mr. YOUNG

As part of the reorganisation referred to in the question, a particular section was discontinued, and part of its work transferred to other sections. In determining which of the staff of the disbanded section should be retained, all relevant factors, including length of service, were taken into account, but the governing consideration was necessarily whether a suitable post was available for the individual in the remaining sections.

Mr. RENDALL

Was the most important and relevant fact taken into consideration, namely, the fact that the Public Trustee preferred to have men on his staff rather than women, and that therefore women are treated unfairly?

Mr. YOUNG

No, Sir; there is no foundation for that suggestion at all.