§ 30. Mr. Geoffrey Hutchinsonasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Mrs. Freda C. James, a clerk at CefnHirgoed Isolation Hospital of the Mid-Glamorgan Hospital Management Committee, was dismissed on 31st August, 1950, on marriage; that the General Council of the Whitley Councils for the Health Services (Great Britain) subsequently recommended that no woman should be disqualified from obtaining or be subject to dismissal from employment in the National Health Service simply by reason of marriage; and, as he has agreed with these views, if he will secure the reinstatement of Mrs. James in her employment with the Hospital Management Committee.
§ Mr. MarquandMy information is that the employment of Mrs. James by the Mid-Glamorgan Hospital Management Committee was terminated, owing to staff reorganisation, on 31st August, 1950—some 12 months after the date of her marriage—and that it was at her own wish that the letter giving her notice assigned marriage as the reason.
§ Mr. HutchinsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answer which he has just given me is contradicted by the terms of the letter that was sent to this lady by the secretary of the hospital management committee, in which she was informed that it is the policy of the management committee not to employ married women in administrative posts?
§ Mr. MarquandI have explained why that letter was sent.
§ Mr. HutchinsonIn view of the conflict between the statement which this lady has made and the right hon. Gentleman's reply, will he cause an inquiry to be held into the case?
§ Mr. MarquandI could not have answered the hon. and learned Gentleman's question without having made that inquiry.
§ Mr. HutchinsonIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment as soon as possible.