§ 53. Dr. Summerskillasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that only single women are being asked to apply for the vacancies now advertised in the women's police force; and whether he will consider making recommendations with a view to making married, women eligible for appointment?
§ Sir S. HoareThe condition that a candidate for appointment as a policewoman must be unmarried or a widow is prescribed by the Police (Women) Regulations. This is the normal rule in the public services, and I would not feel justified in departing from it in the case of the women police.
§ Dr. SummerskillIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that local authorities throughout the country are employing married women in their teaching and public health services, and that even this House does not put a bar upon married women, and does he not see, therefore, that his attitude is not in accordance with the modern trend?
§ Sir S. HoareThat opens a very big question for discussion. It is the general practice in the public service, and in this case the existing regulations were made after consultation with the Police Council.
§ Dr. SummerskillWill the right hon. Gentleman make recommendations to the appropriate authority in view of the fact that times are changing and that the work that these women would be called upon to do would be chiefly in connection with women and young girls and that marriage could not be a handicap?
§ Sir S. HoareI am not satisfied that there is any reason to change the present position, but if the hon. Lady will send me any information on the subject I will look into it.
§ Dr. SummerskillCan the right hon. Gentleman tell me what attributes a woman losses on marriage which make her unfitted for this work?