asked the Secretary of Staete for Scotland whether he is aware of the indignation that has arisen in Perth in consequence of so many married women whose husbands are fully employed being employed in Government offices since the outbreak of the war; that the Employment Exchange has on its lists unmarried women suitable for these positions; and will he take steps to replace these married women by unmarried women who are meantime drawing unemployment benefit and so reduce unemployment?

I have been asked to reply. This matter has not previously been brought to my notice. Immediately the local office at Perth became aware that women were being engaged by the Royal Army Pay Corps at Perth for employment in that office, arrangements were made for female applicants on the register to be considered for any vacancies arising. Since then 20 single women and five married women have been engaged, the married women being in receipt of unemployment benefit. No opportunity will be lost of securing the submission of the remaining female applicants on the register, so far as they are suitable.