HC Deb 21 April 1926 vol 194 cc1201-3
40. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Labour how many temporary clerks, who passed as writing assistants in the open competitive examination held in October, 1919, were employed in the Ministry of Labour on 1st January, 1926?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

There was no open competitive examination for writing assistants held in October, 1919. There was such an examination in September, 1919, and a limited competition for the clerical class in October, as a result of which a certain number of writing assistants were appointed. If the hon. Member will communicate with me, stating more explicitly, the information he desires, I will endeavour to supply it.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that some of the candidates who in October won in the examination for writing assistants have been employed for periods ranging from seven to ten years and yet no permanent employment has been guaranteed to them and they are being dismissed week by week one at a time?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I think the hon. Member is under a misconception. I think the reason is that the examination for writing assistants was in September and it was the examination for clerks that was in October, as the result of which a few persons who had not qualified for clerks were given posts as writing assistants. It is a little complicated, but if the hon. Member will have a word with me I will go into it.

Mr. PALING

Is it not a fact that there are women with five to 10 years' service who are being turned off and being substituted by young women of 18 years of age?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

That is a perfectly general statement. I can only assure the hon. Member that every regard is being paid to the claims of all women. If he will tell me of any particular class specifically I will go into it. I think perhaps the point the hon. Member who put the question really refers to is that those who went in for the second examination for clerks and did not succeed as clerks and were offered posts as writing assistants did not wish to take posts as writing assistants definitely but remained on on a temporary basis. Perhaps some of those who remained on on a temporary basis may have left of their own volition.

Mr. SPEAKER

I think a private conversation would save the time of the House.

65. Mr. WILLIAMS

also asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state the objection against offering any class of permanent employment to temporary clerks who passed as writing assistants in the open competitive examination in 1919?

Mr. McNEILL

All the women who received offers of posts as writing assistants on their performance in the open competition held in 1919, and who accepted those offers have been appointed as writing assistants. Examinations for this grade have been held subsequently, at which temporary staff have been eligible to compete, and it is not possible to reopen the list resulting from the 1919 examination.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of those who did pass the first examination are still regarded as temporary clerks, they are not yet on permanent employment; and will he give the reason for objecting to giving them permanent employment?

Mr. McNEILL

I do not think the hon. Member's information is correct.

Mr. WILLIAMS

It is perfectly correct.