§ Mr. CLYNESasked the Minister of Pensions whether in the reduction of the female clerical staff of the Ministry at Manchester single girls, totally dependent upon their own exertions, are being discharged before married women with husbands in comfortable circumstances; and whether he will give instructions that female clerks, solely dependent upon then earnings, are to be retained in preference to those not so dependent?
§ Sir J. CRAIGIn the substitution of disabled and ex-service men for women, my right hon. Friend has already given directions that the services of women who are not dependent on their earnings should be terminated before those who are solely dependent, but some regard has to be paid to the efficiency and experience of the women in determining the order of their discharge. In carrying out this policy in Manchester a few unmarried women with short service have been discharged at an earlier date than married women of greater experience or efficiency.