HC Deb 04 March 1954 vol 524 c1339
17. Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Labour under what agreement women grade II factory inspectors were granted equal pay; and when it is proposed to extend this to other grades in the inspectorate.

Sir W. Monckton

Women in class II of the inspectorate have always had the same pay as men, and this arrangement appears to rest on a long-standing practice in the recruitment grade rather than on any agreement. As to the second part of the Question, I would refer to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to a Question by the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis) on 17th November last year.

Miss Ward

I am not really aware of the answer given on 17th November. As my right hon. and learned Friend has a well-deserved reputation for scrupulous fairness in human relationships, however, will he take immediate steps to eliminate this quite intolerable injustice in his own Department?

Sir W. Monckton

I hope that I rightly apprehend that the hon. Lady does not wish me to eliminate any disparity there is in a particular direction.

Miss Ward

Oh, no. That is quite correct.

Dr. Summerskill

Would the Minister of Labour tell me why, if a woman is sufficiently highly qualified and belongs to a well-organised group, the Government are always prepared to give her equal pay?

Sir W. Monckton

I was not aware of that matter, and I certainly cannot answer that question.