HC Deb 04 December 1941 vol 376 cc1233-4
17. Sir John Mellor

asked the Minister of Labour whether the arrangements for the withdrawal of women from the staffs of local authorities will be applied in equal measure to the Civil Service?

Mr. Bevin

The special arrangements for the withdrawal of women from the non-manual staffs of local authorities are not applicable to Government Service, but, as announced by the Prime Minister on 2nd December, Government Departments are to make a substantial contribution. Details of these arrangements will be announced later.

Sir J. Mellor

In view of the extent to which war functions have been delegated to local authorities by the Government, ought not their staffs to rank equally with Civil servants in the matter of reservation?

Mr. Bevin

It all depends upon what is considered equality?

Sir Herbert Williams

Would my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of reducing the number of cases in which the buck is passed from person to person in Government Departments, so reducing the staffs?