§ 13. Miss LAWRENCEasked the Secretary of State for War the respective duties, pay, and conditions of service of male and female viewers employed at the Royal Army Clothing Department?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSAll viewers at the Royal Army Clothing Department are required to examine and inspect, under the general supervision and instructions of superior officials of the inspection staff, materials, garments and other articles of clothing, necessaries, etc., purchased from contractors before acceptance. But the work of the female viewers is restricted to the inspection of a limited number of articles and is carried out under the direct supervision of an assistant inspector. The wages of male viewers are on a scale of 44s. to 52s., plus a war advance of 23s. for a working week of 48 hours. After two years' service they are eligible for six days' leave with pay and for 12 days after seven years' service. The wages of female viewers are from 38s. to 42s. inclusive, for a working week of 48 hours. All viewers (male and female) are entitled to full pay for certain public holidays and their conditions of service are generally as laid down in the Regulations governing War Department civilian employés.
§ Miss LAWRENCEIn view of the fact that the duties of male and female viewers are almost identical, why should there be so great a discrepancy in wages?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIt is because they are not identical that there is a difference in wages.
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI must have notice of that question. I do not know.