HC Deb 01 December 1936 vol 318 cc1022-3
51. Sir ERNEST GRAHAM-LITTLE

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that until 1933 Treasury authority existed for women members of scientific grades in the National Physical Laboratory, the Admiralty, and the Air Ministry to be placed on the same salary scales as men; whether that authority was given in conformity with the fair wages principle; and, if so, will he state upon what grounds in 1933 the Treasury authorised for future appointments of women salary scales lower than the corresponding scales for men?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

When the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research took over the National Physical Laboratory, the same scales of pay were in force for both men and women staff. In other scientific establishments set up under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research the arrangements adopted generally throughout the Civil Service were followed and lower scales applied to women. On the occasion of the introduction of revised uniform scales of pay in Government scientific establishments generally, the practice obtaining in the National Physical Laboratory was brought into line with that in the other sections of the Department, and similar action was taken with regard to those Admiralty and Air Ministry establishments in which National Physical Laboratory scales were in force. Existing women members of the staffs who were on common scales were given the new men's scales of their respective grades, and it has also been agreed, without prejudice to the general question of principle, that on promotion they should have a reserved right to the old common scales where these are more favourable than the new women's scales.

Sir E. GRAHAM-LITTLE

Is the Financial Secretary aware that these women are mostly University graduates who have passed the same examination as men, who are doing the same work as men and who should be put on the same basis as men? Is the right hon. Member aware that outside the Civil Service such differentiation in pay is not made?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

The emoluments of existing officers are safeguarded. As far as future appointments are concerned, the general Civil Service rule must apply.

Miss WILKINSON

Can the Financial Secretary say why it was necessary to go through all these complicated mathematics about the scale of pay for women in order to perpetuate this simple injustice?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I do not agree with the hon. Member.

Miss RATHBONE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the staff representatives of the Department concerned, both men and women, are very much opposed to this arrangement, and does he not think that it might now be considered for this Department at any rate?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I fear I can give the hon. Member no such undertaking.