§ 30. Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the reorganisation of the British Museum provided for the admission of women civil servants to that Department; whether he is aware that it has recently been stated in a Report that the chief need of British Museum clerks is foreign languages; whether he is aware that women clerks already in the service having a knowledge of three and four languages, including Latin, Greek, Arabic, Russian, Hindustani, and Spanish, would be willing to transfer; and whether he will give these women an opportunity of using these qualifications, which would apparently be of great service to this Department?
Mr. GRAHAMThe question of the recruitment of women to the British Museum staff was not specifically dealt with in the recent reorganisation of the Museum staff, but it has been fully considered by the Trustees from time to time. Though a knowledge of foreign languages is by no means the main requirement for clerks in the Museum, the existence in the Civil Service of women possessing sucl qualifications will not be overlooked when questions of recruitment are being considered.
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESIs it not a fact that there is a large number of ex-service men, at present unemployed, who could be very suitably employed in the British Museum, as well as women?
Mr. GRAHAMThere may be a proportion, but the hon. and gallant Gentleman will notice that this question refers to a staff of very high qualifications. The point he mentioned will not be overlooked.