§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Bill be now read a Second time.—[Mr. Robert C. Brown.]
§ 3.59 p.m.
§ Mr. William Clark (Surrey, East)I agree with the sentiments behind the Bill but I am not sure whether the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, West (Mr. Robert C. Brown) has overlooked the fact that some of the clauses could discriminate against women.
This is a Bill of such major importance that we should be able to discuss it, even at this late hour. I wonder whether the sponsors have considered Clause 6 which says that where a woman goes on maternity leave for 52 weeks she may come back and take up her right of seniority. On the face of it that seems all right but this could be discriminatory against ladies who stayed in that job. They have no doubt been doing the job of the lady who left on maternity leave, but then have to step down in seniority to allow that lady to take back her place.
Secondly——
§ It being Four o'clock, the debate stood adjourned.
§ Debate to be resumed upon Friday next.