HC Deb 03 February 1948 vol 446 c1643
70. Mrs. Castle

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what proportion of the sixteen-year-old candidates who were successful in the September, 1947, (Normal) Clerical Class examination of the Civil Service have been offered posts which would involve their living away from home; and what provision is made for the supervision and welfare of these young girls.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Four hundred out of 1,500. Young civil servants assigned to posts away from home are assisted as necessary by their Departments to obtain suitable living accommodation. Their general welfare is the responsibility of an officer specially nominated for the purpose. This is normally the welfare officer for the Department.

Mrs. Castle

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that it is very undesirable that such a large number of 16-year-old girls should be offered posts in strange towns, where they may have no friends or relatives, and where they have to live on a small salary? Will he not consider giving girls of this age priority for local jobs?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Wherever possible we try to keep young girls either in or near their homes; but as they go into the Service, they have obviously to go where the posts are for which they are needed.