§ 40. Mr. PALINGasked the Minister of Labour how many women temporary clerks are employed in the Employment Exchanges; how many have had from 5 to 10 years' service; and whether it is the policy of the Ministry to gradually replace such women by young trainees?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe number of temporary women clerks in the Employment Exchange service is at present 756, 246 of whom have had from 5 to 10 years' service. It is the policy of the Department to recruit permanent staff only to the extent likely to be required for the minimum volume of permanent work. I may add that the temporary women staff have had several opportunities of qualifying for permanent posts, and nearly 400 have secured such posts in my Department.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it not a fact that a good many of these women have been turned off after years of service, varying from 5 to 10 years, when they have proved themselves efficient and capable, 1929 and is it fair that they should be replaced by young trainees, most of whom these very women who have been turned off have had to train?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDPerhaps the hon. Member will put down any detailed question. I can give him an answer on the general policy, which is that temporary work is filled by temporary clerks, but that they are given an opportunity, if they are good enough, of recruiting for the permanent service.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that. Exchange officials themselves have declared that with a larger number on the permanent staff their work would be done much more expeditiously and efficiently?