HC Deb 31 March 1952 vol 498 cc1157-8
11. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that there is discontent because of the manner in which married and single women, respectively, employed in his Department's offices in Scotland are being dismissed; and if he will state on what principle women in his Department are selected for dismissal.

Major Lloyd George

I am not aware of any general discontent on this subject in Scotland. Temporary staff in the clerical grades are selected for discharge according to the principle of first in last out laid down in the national redundancy Agreement.

Mr. Hughes

Will the Minister make some inquiries about the discontent, because I have evidence that there is discontent? Will he say how he sees that there is fair play in this matter—how he distinguishes between married women and single women, and married women with families with those who have not families?

Major Lloyd George

On the question of redundancy, the principle of first in, last out, was accepted at the time, and I understood that it was accepted by the staff association. I suggest to the hon. and learned Gentleman that the only possible way of dealing with this matter is through their staff association.

Sir Waldron Smithers

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the only way to stop shortages and all these complaints is to close down the Ministry of Food and to stop bulk purchase, because if we restrict consumption we restrict production?

12. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Food how many members of his staff in Aberdeen have been dismissed this year; how many more he intends to dismiss and when; and why they are being dismissed.

Major Lloyd George

No staff have been dismissed in Aberdeen so far this year. The abolition of National Registration will result in a saving of about 17 staff in Aberdeen, but they will not be dismissed before the end of May.

Mr. Hughes

But for those who are dismissed, or are about to be dismissed, is it proposed to offer them any alternative employment or are they simply to swell the numbers of the unemployed?

Major Lloyd George

We will do what we can about that, but I am sure the hon. and learned Gentleman agrees that if they are redundant it is not in the national interest to keep them on.

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