HL Deb 28 February 1962 vol 237 cc954-5

2.54 p.m.

LORD FERRIER

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will take steps to ensure that married women who undertake part-time employment as occupational or physiotherapists, teachers or the like are aware of the tax reliefs available to them.]

LORD MILLS

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government will continue to call attention to these reliefs as they have done in the past when it appears useful to do so, in seeking to encourage married women with particular professional qualifications to return to employment.

LORD TAYLOR

My Lords, is there any particular relief available to occupational therapists and physiotherapists who are working part-time in the National Health Service, or is this relief available only to those engaged in private practice?

LORD MILLS

No, my Lords; it applies to all people working part-time, and I will let the noble Lord have particulars of it.

BARONESS SUMMERSKILL

My Lords, while the kind consideration of the noble Lord, Lord Ferrier, for these women is appreciated, would they not perhaps appreciate an assurance from the Government that they would be adequately paid, rather more than that they should be reminded that there could be a subsidy from the Revenue for their miserably inadequate wage?

LORD MILLS

My Lords, I would remind the noble Lady that it is not long since we debated that matter very fully.