§ 71. Mr. Guyasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the differentiation of salary offered for men and women housing and town-planning inspectors; and whether he can state the reason for such differentiation, in view of the fact that equivalent expert knowledge of the kind in question must be possessed by all successful candidates?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleI have been asked to reply. The relation between the pay of men and women was fixed in accordance with normal Civil Service practice as described in paragraphs 450 and 451 of the report of the Royal Commission on the Civil Service, 1929–31. The policy underlying this practice was explained by the Prime Minister during the course of the Debate on 6th April last.
§ Mr. GuyDoes not this differentiation in the rate constitute an invitation to the female applicants to undercut the standard rate?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleThat is a wide question, which refers to other officers besides those classes of officers of which the hon. Member has spoken.