§ Sir W. BULLasked the Postmaster-General if he will state the number of permanent women clerks in the Post Office establishment; the number transferred to permanent appointments in other Departments of the Civil Service; and the number on loan to other Departments?
§ Mr. PEASEThe number of permanent women clerks of the second class and superior grades in the Post Office is approximately 3,400. The number transferred to permanent appointments in other Departments of the Civil Service since the beginning of the War is nine teen. The number on loan to other Departments is fifty-five. A considerable number of women clerks are engaged upon the duties of men serving with the Colours.
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§ Sir W. BULLasked the Postmaster-General whether requests from other Departments for the loan or transfer of women clerks have been refused and discouraged by himself or his officials; and, if so, whether such refusal is in contravention of the Government policy of dilution?
§ Mr. PEASEEvery effort has been made to comply with requests for the loan or transfer of women clerks to other Departments, so far as the needs of the Post Office itself permit; but in some instances there has been no alternative but to refuse.