Lieut.-Colonel CLAYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Muni- 1468W tions how many women are still employed by the Ministry of Supply; what is the average weekly salary; and what steps are being taken to replace them by demobilised members of His Majesty's forces?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYParliament has not yet been asked to assent to the creation of a Ministry of Supply. The number of women at present employed by the Ministry of Munitions is 4,178, representing 40 per cent, of the total staff exclusive of messengers and cleaners. The large majority of the women are members of the clerical and typing grades, and are paid in accordance with scales prescribed by the Treasury, which range from 35s. to 62s. 6d. per week. As I stated in a reply on the 11th instant, measures are already in operation for the substitution, so far as possible, of non-Service employés of both sexes by ex-Service men, preference being given to disabled men and those who have served overseas. To assist in carrying out this policy, the Minister has appointed a committee, the majority of the members of which are ex-Service men and includes a representative of the Ministry of Munitions Association of Ex-Service Men. Since the Armistice the number of women employés at headquarters has been reduced by 10,136 and the number of male employés by 5,240. The number of ex-Service men now serving in the Ministry is approximately 2,300. Since 1st November over 100 ex-Service men have been substituted in the Ministry for non-Service men and women.