HC Deb 17 July 1924 vol 176 cc575-7
50. Lieut.-Colonel JAMES

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he proposes to make some provision for the legitimate claims of temporary women who have served in Government service from very early periods during the War and who now consider that they should now be given a chance of establishment; and whether he is aware that last year nearly 1,000 girls with no Government service to their credit were brought in at the ages of 15 and 16, and that their introduction meant the subsequent discharge of many efficient older women, who have since found it almost impossible to get outside employment?

49. Mrs. WINTRINGHAM

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is prepared to make some arrangements whereby the temporary women civil servants who have given such long periods of efficient service to the Government should be offered a chance of competing for any vacancies which may arise on the women's side in the Civil Service?

51. Viscount CURZON

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the publication of the Southborough Report and provision made therein for establishment of ex-service men, the Treasury is now contemplating making some provision for the temporary women who have been in the service for many years to enter women's vacancies which may arise during the next year or two; and whether he is aware that these women find it impossible to obtain outside employment and have had no chance of establishment since 1920?

Mr. GRAHAM

I will answer these questions together. The position of temporary women clerks now serving in the Civil Service is receiving my consideration with reference to the recommendations of Lord Southborough's Committee, but I regret that I am not yet able to announce a decision on the subject.

Mr. HOGGE

Can the hon. Gentleman say what is the exact position of the Government in relation to the South-borough Report? Have they accepted it or are they going to put it into operation, and is the House to have an opportunity of discussing it?

Mr. GRAHAM

The Government have already announced their intention, and that they are in favour of the terms of the Southborough Report. As regards an opportunity for discussion, I am afraid that must rest with the ingenuity of hon. Members.

Viscount CURZON

Does the hon. Gentleman expect to be able to give the decision to the House before the House rises?

Mr. GRAHAM

It is difficult to say, because this is a very large question, and we have only now a week or two left, but I will make inquiry and inform the Noble Lord whether it can be done.

Lieut.-Colonel JAMES

Is the hon. Gentleman aware there are several gaps in the Report of the Southborough Committee?