HC Deb 28 March 1923 vol 162 cc488-9
37. Mr. ROBERT RICHARDSON

asked the Minister of Labour what was the average length of Government service of the 1,728 women employ é s dismissed from the Ministry since the present substitution arrangements came into force on 1st October, 1920; what proportion was assisted to train for other occupations by means of Government grants and what proportion received any gratuity such as was given to home service men of similar length of service in a clerical capacity?

Mr. BETTERTON

I fear it is not possible, without considerable research, to state the average length of Government service of temporary women employ é s. discharged from the Ministry since October, 1920, nor what proportion of such women received assistance towards training from the Central Committee on Women's Training and Employment. So far as I am aware, no gratuities were payable to temporary clerical employ é s, whether men or women, who were engaged during the War.

36. Mr. HAYDAY

asked the Minister of Labour whether the investigators reviewing the private circumstances of temporary women employ é s in his Department include a representative of those being cross-examined, in accordance with the general practice in other Departments and the desire of the staff concerned; and, if not, whether he will consider adding to the examining committee the women's substitution representative?

Mr. BETTERTON

There is a representative of the temporary women staff on the Substitution Committees of the Ministry of Labour both at headquarters and at Kew. It has not, however, been the practice of the Department to include a representative of the temporary women employ é s at Kew in either of the reviews of the private circumstances of these women which have taken, and are taking, place. One of the two investigators is a permanent women officer of long experience.

Mr. HAYDAY

Can the hon. Gentleman say that, while may not have been the practice, he will give further consideration to the point?

Mr. BETTERTON

The question indicates what is said to be the practice in other Departments. I am making inquiries, and my inquiries have not been completed on that point.