§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will give the House the text of any circular letter issued by, or with the authority of, the Treasury fixing the rates of pay to women doing men's work with men's efficiency considerably lower than the rates paid to their male predecessors?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe following extract from the circular referred to by the hon. Member gives the rates of pay in question:—
- 1. For typing, operating duplicating machines and ordinary sorting or routine work, 18s. to 20s. a week, with overtime at the rate of 6d. an hour.
- 2. For ordinary clerical work, 21s. to 25s. a week, with overtime at the rate of 7d. an hour.
- 3. For shorthand-typing, 26s. a week, with overtime at the rate of 9d. an hour.
- 4. For higher clerical and supervising work, 30s. a week, with overtime at the rate of 9d. an hour. In normal circumstances My Lords will only be prepared to sanction clerical posts at this rate in a proportion not exceeding one to five of those at the lower rate. The normal hours of attendance will be determined by the heads of Departments at their discretion, but they must not be less than forty-two hours a week. Overtime of less than half an hour on any one day will not be counted for the purpose of overtime payment. Ordinary leave on full pay may be allowed (subject to the exigencies of the service) at the rate of one day for each month of service, as well as on the usual public holidays. Sick leave on full pay may be allowed up to a maximum of six weeks in the year, insurance contributions being payable at the reduced rates prescribed by Section 47 of the National Insurance Act, 1911.