HC Deb 11 June 1947 vol 438 cc1076-7

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

Mr. Oliver Stanley (Bristol, West)

I hope the Chancellor will have a word to say on Clause 22 in view of the fact that it deals with another aspect of women's rights. In this case he has found himself able to give them some, assistance, and it would be interesting to know on what ground he has based this preferential treatment for this one class of State women employees.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

It is not preferential treatment. Actually it is bringing the women in the Forces into line with the men. The Committee will remember that last year we exempted from Income Tax the gratuities and bounties payable to the men in the Forces. We propose to apply the same principle to the women's gratuities. The question of exempting the bounty does not arise because they do not get it.

Mr. David Eccles (Chippenham)

I cannot let this Clause pass without suggesting that the same principle might be extended to the women who are employees of corporate bodies.

Question put, and agreed to.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.