§ 58. Mr. W. J. Brownasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that when two vacancies recently arose in the assistant grade at the Liverpool food office, women members of the staff were dissuaded by the deputy food executive officer from pressing their claims to be considered, so that all the posts in this office are filled by men, many of whom are of military age who have been seconded from local authority employment; and why it is inexpedient to employ in the Liverpool office women assistants who are employed in other offices of the Ministry.
§ Colonel LlewellinI am informed that the women members of the staff of the Liverpool food office voluntarily withdrew their applications for promotion when they were told of the nature of the duties attaching to the vacant posts. There is and will be no sex discrimination in the consideration of staff for promotion.