§ Mr. JOWETTasked the President of the Local Government Board (1) whether, in view of the dissatisfaction caused among the male and female permanent clerical staff of his Department by the offer of a permanent appointment to a clerical post which has been made to a temporary woman clerk serving in the Department, he will reconsider the matter with a view to continuing to utilise the services of this clerk in a temporary-capacity, so that the post may be filled by open competition after the War; and (2) whether, during the War, he has refused to sanction appointments, whether of male or female employés, made by local authorities except on condition that such appointments are made temporarily for the duration of the War only; and whether, notwithstanding this practice, he has obtained the consent of the Treasury to make permanent during the War the appointment of any female clerks temporarily employed in his Department?
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Mr. FISHERThe appointment to which reference is made is that of a lady who has been given, with the concurrence of the Treasury and after a year's temporary employment, a permanent appointment in the branch of the office which deals with maternity and child welfare. This lady's previous experience made her especially fitted for the work of this branch. In reply to a memorial from members of the permanent staff taking exception to the appointment, it has been explained that there is no intention at present of making permanent appointments of women to clerical posts during the War. It has been customary to discourage the permanent appointment of male local officials during the War, but the consideration which favour that practice do not apply to posts which it is desirable should be held by women.