§ 16. Sir Irving Alberyasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in Government Departments, and in industry, women are in many cases retained at work on overtime pay, although the work they have to perform could be completed in shorter hours: that most women resent this and desire to be efficiently employed; and what action does he propose to take?
§ Mr. BevinThe efficient employment of women in Government Departments is primarily a matter for the Treasury. With regard to women employed in industry, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Moss Side, Manchester (Mr. Rostron Duckworth) on 20th April, 1943.
§ Sir I. AlberyEven if employment in Government Departments is a matter for the Treasury, is it not the Minister's concern to see that all persons are efficiently employed and that no labour is wasted?
§ Mr. BevinIt is my duty to see that they do not get too many, if I can resist their demands, which I keep on doing.