§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, whether he is aware that a large number of women clerks at present employed in the Post Office Savings Bank and other Govern- 904W ment departments are under notice of dismissal; that some of these women have been in the service upwards of 14 years; and whether, in view of the Government's pledges to these women, he will take the necessary measures to ensure they are employed in other departments?
Mr. SAMUELThirty-two temporary women clerks employed in the Savings Bank Department are under notice of discharge expiring on 31st December. 1928, as the work upon which they are engaged will shortly be completed. I am not aware that elsewhere any appreciable number of women clerks are under notice. The pledge, to which the hon. Member refers, was to the effect that, for a period of 12 months from 1st January, 1928, no efficient temporary woman clerk, who had since 1st January, 1926, or earlier been continuously employed in any Headquarter establishment, should be discharged from that establishment to make room for a successful candidate from any Open competition for the established Writing Assistant Class or Clerical Class (Women) held after 1st January, 1926. I have under consideration a request that the pledge should be continued for a further period, but I am not yet in a position to come to a decision in the matter.