§ Miss WILKINSONasked the Minister of Labour why women temporary employés in a number of Employment Exchanges, who have served from five to 11 years, are to be dismissed and re-placed by young girls aged 18; and whether he will allow the experienced women to qualify for permanent posts?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe recruitment of a number of junior clerks within the authorised number of permanent posts for women's work is necessary in order to make up wastage and to maintain the supply of permanent officers requisite for carrying on the work. The temporary women clerks of any considerable service have already been given opportunities of qualifying by examination for established posts as clerks or writing assistants. In so far as it is necessary to reduce the temporary staff owing to fluctuations of work, special consideration is given to those of long service.