HC Deb 22 June 1925 vol 185 cc1069-70
62. Mr. MARCH

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the inconvenience and hardship imposed on the women clerks employed in the central index register section of the National Health Insurance by the recent transfer of this Department from Westminster to Bromyard Avenue, Acton, owing to the long journey to Acton, taking in many instances upwards of three hours each day, and costing from 8s. to 10s. per week in fares, which have to be paid put of their salary of 35s. per week, which after other deductions are made for health and unemployment insurances does not leaves these women with a sufficient amount for their maintenance; and will he look into this matter with a view to redress?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)

The work in question has recently been transferred from the Central Index Committee to my Department on an agency basis, and the offices at Acton are the only offices available to the Department at which it can be efficiently performed. The officers mentioned by the hon. Member who formed part of the staff of the Central Index Committee engaged on a weekly basis were given the opportunity of continuing the work under the Department in a temporary capacity, and were at the same time informed where the work would in future have to be done. With few exceptions they accepted the work on this condition, and while my right hon. Friend sympathises with any individual cases of hardship, he is afraid that he cannot see his way to take any action in the matter.

Mr. MARCH

Was any question raised as to whether there would be any allowance for travelling expenses for any who went from this quarter?

Sir K. WOOD

I have not heard that. If the hon. Member will put that question to me, I will inquire and let him know.

Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

Is there not some compensating advantage in the improvement in health of all whose duties take them to Acton?