HC Deb 05 February 1941 vol 368 c927
37. Miss Rathbone

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that an instruction has been issued that women temporary principals are not entitled to travel first class on the Board's business as are their men colleagues; that this is a departure from the previous custom of allowing this privilege to temporary principals; and whether, in view of this and of the hardship involved, he will give instructions for the removal of this discrimination on grounds of sex?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Major Lloyd George)

Travelling expenses to officers of the Board of Trade are governed by regulations which apply generally throughout the Civil Service. Under these regulations, which were agreed by the Civil Service National Whitley Council in 1935, eligibility for first class travel is determined not by any grade but by salary. A woman temporary principal is allowed first class travel if her salary is £600 or more. For a man the corresponding limit is £750.

Miss Rathbone

Is the Minister aware that if differences between men and women on the ground of salary are justified, there is no similar justification for differences in comfort when travelling under war conditions, and will he reconsider this matter?

Major Lloyd George

I must point out that this was agreed to by the Civil Service National Whitley Council.