§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Minister of Health the number of women officers and clerks who are working overtime in his Department, and the number of hours overtime which is being worked each week; whether he is aware that 250 women are under notice of dismissal from the Ministry of Pensions; and will he give those women the chance of employment instead of allowing regular workers to work overtime?
§ Sir K. WOOD148 women officers and clerks have been employed on overtime for the last completed month, the numbers varying from, week to week according to the needs of the work. The total number of hours for the month amounted to 5,020. In reply to the latter part of the question, I would refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Wandsworth (Sir H. Jackson) on the 23rd ultimo.
§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that a large number of the women about to be discharged from the Ministry of Pensions only just failed to pass an examination entitling them to permanent employment; and whether, in view of the unemployment amongst women and the hardship which dismissal will impose on a deserving section of temporary civil servants, he will slightly lower the standard in order that these women may obtain employment in other departments?
§ Mr. R. McNEILLI regret that I should not feel justified in interfering with the decision of the Civil Service Commissioners in this matter. On the question of giving preferential treatment to the women referred to when selections are made for discharge, I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given on 8th December by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions to a question from the hon. and gallant Member for North Croydon (Lieut.-Colon-el Mason), I may add that I am now considering representations which have been made to 1219W me on the general question of providing a greater measure of permanent employment for women now employed on the temporary staff.
§ Brigadier-General CHARTERISasked the Minister of Pensions to what extent has the work diminished in his Depart-
Claims in respect of Disablement or Death (Non-commissioned Ranks). Six Months ending— 31st December, 1922. 31st December, 1923. 31st December, 1924. 31st October, 1925. (a) Number of men medically examined 279,700 214,200 144,200 69,300 (b) Widows' claims dealt with 5,200 5,300 4,800 4,200 (c) Dependants 'claims dealt with 3,900 1,900 3,000 1,800
Year ending— 31st March, 1923. 31st March, 1924. 31st March, 1925. Volume of correspondence (letters des patched). 13,800,000 11,300,000 7,000,000