Mr. E. HARVEYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Inspectors 2010W of Taxes have been consulted as to the expediency of the dismissal of several hundred temporary women clerks in the Inland Revenue, Income Tax Department, who are now under notice of dismissal to take effect on 31st March; whether these clerks have given from five to eight years' service and will be replaced by less experienced clerks; and whether he will suspend the notice of dismissal pending a further inquiry into their case?
Mr. GRAHAMThe decision in the cases referred to was taken with the full knowledge of responsible officers. Reduction of clerical staff can only be effected either by discharge of temporary ex-service men or temporary non-service men and women. The temporary non-service women have in general had longer experience, but they have had opportunities of qualifying for establishment, and those who have so qualified have not received notice. I regret that in the circumstances it is impossible to suspend the notices.