HC Deb 27 April 1948 vol 450 cc206-7
46. Sir W. Darling

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what women's organisations were invited to attend the meeting of the Economic Information Unit of the Treasury, held in the office of the Scottish Home Department, Edinburgh, on 9th March, 1948; how many attended; what organisations they represented; what expenses were paid to those attending; and if any arrangements are being made to extend such meetings in other cities in Scotland.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Glenvil Hall)

The following organisations were invited by the Economic Information Unit to attend a conference on economic information in Edinburgh on 9th March, 1948: The Church of Scotland Women's Guild; Edinburgh Association of Girls' Clubs; Edinburgh Women Citizens' Association; Electrical Association for Women; National Council of Women; National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs; National Union of Townswomen's Guilds; Scottish Association of Girls' Clubs; Scottish Cooperative Women's Guild; Scottish Women's Rural Institutes; Soroptimist Club of Edinburgh; Women's Group on Public Welfare; Women's Voluntary Services; Y.W.C.A. of Great Britain; Y.W.C.A. of Scotland.

Twenty-six delegates attended the conference representing the organisations listed above, with the following exceptions: The Church of Scotland Women's Guild; National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs; Women's Group on Public Welfare. Expenses paid to the delegates averages 11s. each for fares and 9s. 6d. for subsistence. Arrangements will be made for similar meetings in other cities in Scotland if women's organisations ask for them, as they asked for this one.

Sir W. Darling

Is the Financial Secretary aware that there is some disappointment that while the Co-operative Women's Guild was invited to attend these meetings, none of the representatives of any of the political parties were invited, and as they represent a large number of Edinburgh women they very properly felt disappointed because of that omission? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, too, that the Housewives' League was not invited, and is he prepared on future occasions to give a wider opportunity for disseminating information which the Economic Information Unit seeks to impart to the public?

Mrs. Jean Mann

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, while the hon. Member for South Edinburgh (Sir W. Darling) was chairman of the Scottish Council of Industry, not one woman was ever on the Council? Can he explain this "new look" on the part of Sir Galahad?

Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

Can the Financial Secretary explain to the House what interest the Electrical Association for Women represented?