72. Mr. DOYLEasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the women still retained in the claims and record office at Kew are doing precisely the same work as was done up to a few weeks ago by ex-service men now dismissed, and why they were retained in preference to the men.
§ Sir M. BARLOWAs I have already stated, the temporary women retained in the Claims and Record Office are all 489 doing work of a routine and semi-manipulative character, graded as below the ordinary clerical standard, and normally performed by women, or are supervising the women engaged on that work. These arrangements are in accordance with the terms of the Lytton Report. A limited number of temporary ex-service men have been employed from time to time on this low-grade work, and a few are at present so employed, as I am very anxious to avoid the discharge of ex-service men wherever possible, but., while I have. agreed to this employment as an emergency arrangement, I can hold out no hope of its extension.
§ Sir B. FALLEWere any of the ex-service men who were dismissed in-efficient?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI should require notice of that question.
§ Mr. HARRISONAre not some of these women ex-service women who did service in the War?