§ Sir W. SEAGERasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that railway companies are discharging their lady clerks as the soldier members of the staff return, although there is in many cases an enormous amount of arrears of work; and, seeing that these girls will draw out-of-work benefit, will he have inquiries made into the matter?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Railway employés who joined the forces with the consent of their employers are guaranteed reinstatement if they desire it and are fit for service, and some displacement of staff is unavoidable. Where there are arrears of work to be dealt with, women clerks will, I understand, be retained to cope with it so far as may be necessary.