HC Deb 06 August 1942 vol 382 cc1160-1
7. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mrs. Violet Stevens, 2a, Brighton Road, East Ham, E.6, the wife of a serving soldier, employed in the butchery department of the Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society at 53s. per week, has been requested by the local officers of his Department to work at the canteen of the Standard Telephones, at 35s. per week; and will he prevent Mrs. Stevens from being removed from a job of importance to one of no greater importance and her wages reduced by 18s. per week?

Mr. Bevin

Mrs. Stevens has not yet left her employment with the Co-operative Society pending the provision of a substitute. She asked for canteen work in preference to work at a factory and the wages in the job proposed for her at the canteen of Standard Telephones included food.

Mr. Davies

Is the Minister aware that the woman who is to substitute Mrs. Stevens is the wife of a civilian? Why is it that the wife of this civilian was not sent to the canteen which would have avoided taking Mrs. Stevens from her work?

Mr. Bevin

I understand that Mrs. Stevens wanted to do the canteen work.

Mr. Davies

In preference to the other, not because she wanted to leave her job. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter again at the first available opportunity.