§ Mr. E. BROWNasked the Minister of Health whether he has received the accredited representatives of the ex-service temporary clerks employed in his Department who are liable to a week's notice terminating their employment; and, if not, whether he will consent to receive a deputation in order that he may hear the men's side of the case as well as the official side?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe accredited representatives of the ex-service temporary clerks employed in my Department were received by one of my officers in December last, when all relevant circumstances were fully discussed and reported to me, before any notices were 2143W issued. Since that date the Association have made further representations to me in writing to which I replied in detail after close personal consideration. I am, therefore, fully aware of the views of the men concerned, and I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by my receiving a deputation.
§ Mr. FENBYasked the Minister of Health why, in view of the pledge dated 1st January, 1926, to the temporary women staffs, ex-service temporary clerks are being dismissed from the Civil Service whilst temporary women clerks not employed on hardship grounds are retained in the same Department?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Carnarvonshire (Major Owen) on the 22nd ultimo.
§ Mr. FENBYasked the Minister of Health whether he will give the specific date on which he first gave a decision that the women temporary clerical staff employed in his Department were to be regarded as non-substitutable by ex-service men?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe Association of Ex-Service Civil Servants were first informed on 28th July, 1926, that the work upon which the temporary women staff were employed in my Department was regarded as ordinarily not substitutable by men.