§ 23. Mr. Rowlandasked the Postmaster-General if, pending his examination of proposals that women should be recruited as established postwomen on the same basis as men, he will give parity to women presently employed on this work when considering staffing and establishment.
§ Mr. Edward ShortI will certainly consider this; but it may not be quite as simple as it looks.
§ Mr. RowlandFirst, can my right hon. Friend say when his review will be completed? Second, does he agree that post-women who have worked satisfactorily for over 20 years, as one of my constituents has, should be treated in the same way as men? Third, if his review produces a satisfactory outcome, may we have an assurance that early reconsideration will then be given to the position of post-women who are now adversely affected by the present regulations?
§ Mr. ShortOn the first point, I cannot say when the review will be completed. On the second, we are considering whether women can be regarded on a permanent basis as suitable for all the duties and attendances which postmen carry out throughout the country, and also whether they can be promoted to supervisory posts in the same way as men.