asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent and by what authority he operates a marriage bar within the Civil Service.

In the Home Civil Service the marriage bar was abolished in 1946. I am, however, informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs that under a regulation made under the Diplomatic Service Order in Council, 1964, he may call for the resignation from the Diplomatic Service of a woman on marriage or attach conditions to her continuation as a member of that Service or arrange for her transfer to the Home Civil Service.