asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how far, at his recent meeting with the special Economic Committee of the Trades Union Congress, he was able to discuss the principle of the rate for the job in industry, particularly in view of the need for women recruits to help with the defence programme.

This is a matter for the two sides of industry, and was therefore not discussed at this meeting.

May I ask my right hon. Friend if he will use such influence as he possesses to have this matter considered, in view of the number of women going into industry; or is it the intention of the Government that they should be regarded as cheap labour?

That is a question to he addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.