HC Deb 27 March 1946 vol 421 cc370-1
50. Lieut.-Colonel Price-White

asked the Minister of Food what consideration has been given to overhauling the present temporary staff in the regional offices and at headquarters with a view to eliminating, as far as is practicable, those married women and others who were taken on during the wartime labour shortage and who have no real need of the employment, and thus making additional posts available for ex-Service men and women who have no resources or support of any kind.

Sir B. Smith

In the present shortage of manpower, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to retain as many married women as possible as temporary civil servants. A certain number of women are, however, leaving the Ministry of their own accord and being replaced by ex-Service men and women.

Lieut.-Colonel Price-While

Would the Minister give the House an assurance that these replacements will be consistent with qualifications, and that special priority will be given to disabled ex-Servicemen?

Sir B. Smith

Naturally, Sir.

Mr. W. J. Brown

Would not this problem be automatically and very rapidly resolved if the Government were to withdraw the Essential Work Order from public servants?