HC Deb 22 March 1923 vol 161 c2792W
Mr. GERALD HURST

asked the Ministry of Health whether the woman establishment officer in his Department is consulted on all questions affecting the women staff and the allocation of work as between men and women; and whether, in view of the need for insuring that an adequate staff of suitable women should be employed in the higher branches of the Ministry of Health, he will consider the advisability of appointing a woman as assistant director of establishments?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

The duties of the woman officer serving in the Establishment Division are identical with those of men of the same grade in the Division. They are equally consulted as may be necessary on questions affecting the male and female staff. I see no necessity for appointing a woman as assistant director of establishments.?

Mr. HURST

asked the Minister of Health what is the total number of male officers employed in his Department and what is the total number of female officers; whether a woman establishment officer has been appointed; if so, what is her rank, salary and duties; and what is the number of men officers of similar rank in the establishment branch?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

The total number of male officers employed in the Ministry of Health is 2,805; the total number of female officers is 1,092. There is no woman establishment officer but a woman is employed as a first class clerk in the establishment division of the Ministry at a salary of £300 rising to £400 a year. Her duties are interchangeable with the male officers of her grade serving in the division, of whom there are two.