§ 9. Major Sir Jocelyn Lucasasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that partially disabled men employed on such jobs as checking gas-meters, &c., are in some cases being replaced by young 895 women; and whether, in view of the demand of the services of all available woman-power, he will give instructions that this practice should cease as far as possible?
§ Mr. BevinI am not aware that this is so, but if the honourable and gallant Member will let me have particulars of any such cases, I will inquire into them. The question of the employment of young women by gas undertakings has been discussed with representatives of the gas industry, and arrangements have recently been agreed for the release for war work of young women employed on certain work, including meter reading and collection.