§ 55. Mr. Thorneasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why women working in the Civil Service are prevented from getting married; and how many women are affected by the marriage ban.
§ Mr. AsshetonWomen working in the Civil Service are not prevented from getting married but they are not retained in established capacities after marriage except with the consent of the head of their Department and of the Treasury. There is no rule against the employment of a 1622 married woman in a temporary capacity in the Service, and during the war established women who get married are kept on in temporary capacities, if they are willing to stay. There are about 65,000 established women in the Civil Service at present. It is impossible for me to say how many of these women would be given permission, if they asked for it, to remain in an established capacity on marriage.
§ Dr. Edith SummerskillCan the right hon. Gentleman say why marriage has not undermined the efficiency of women civil servants during war-time, but apparently has done so in peace-time?
§ Mr. AsshetonI think it is clear that different circumstances apply during wartime, when there is a great shortage of labour.
§ Mr. StephenWhat is the position of the head of a Department? From whom does she get permission?
§ Mr. AsshetonAt present there is no woman head of a Department.