Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the number of men and the number of women in the training grade of the executive class; and when it is anticipated that women will be given the same opportunities as men of entering this class?
Mr. GUINNESSThe number of men and women in the training grade of the executive class was 3,534 and 26, respectively, on 1st January, 1924. I have no later figures. In view of the existing redundancy in this grade, admission is at present confined to transfers or promotions in the case of men and to transfers and promotions and appointments from the competition held in November and December, 1922, in the case of women. Women, therefore, already have opportunities of entering this class which are not less favourable than those enjoyed by men in comparison.