HC Deb 27 March 1928 vol 162 cc259-60
71. Major BARNETT

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether ex-service men who joined up after compulsory service had been introduced, and served either at home or overseas but not in the firing line, are being retained in the Civil Service in preference to women who lost their bread winners in the war before Conscription came into force, and to other women who are striving to supplement the pensions of disabled relatives?

Major BOYD-CARPENTER

In accordance with the recommendations of the Lytton Committee, and in pursuance of the pledges given by the Government, preference for temporary employment in Government Departments is given to all ex-service personnel over non-service personnel. The retention of the latter on grounds of hardship alone is in present circumstances incompatible with this policy. As between ex-service men, preference is given to those who have served overseas or are disabled.

Major BARNETT

Does that mean that a conscript who has had no service at the front is preferred to a woman clerk, even if she comes within the category of "hardship cases "?