§ Major OWENasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why the pledge to temporary non-service female clerks, in regard to immunity from displacement by juniors from outside, has been extended, whilst temporary ex-service men have been and are being discharged?
Mr. SAMUELMy predecessor has already given an undertaking that no efficient temporary ex-service clerk will be discharged in order to make room for successful candidates from the examination now being held for the admission of boys and girls to the clerical classes. The undertaking referred to in the question dealt with the position of efficient temporary women clerks employed in headquarters establishments, who are engaged upon work specially appropriate to women. It was to the effect that they should not be discharged to make room for successful candidates from open competitions for the writing assistant class, or clerical class (women) held after 1st January, 1926. This undertaking does not in any way prejudice the continued employment of temporary ex-service clerks. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the Lytton and Southborough Committees on the Employment of Ex-Service Men in the Civil Service recommended that such women should not be regarded as substitutable by ex-service men.