EQUAL PAY FOR WOMEN

Grey River Argus, 27 November 1942, Page 2

EQUAL PAY FOR WOMEN

For War Injuries DEMAND BY BRITISH FEMALE COMMONERS LONDON. Nov. 25. Women members , led a bitter attack on the Government in the House of Commons, demanding equal pay for civilian men and women for war injuries Mrs Tate moved an amendment to the Address, expressing regret that no mention was made- in His Majesty’s speech of a Government intention to give equal compensation. She claimed that she had the support of 150 members and she intended to divide the House on this issue. It was not a fight for women, but a fight for human justice. Dr Summerskill said the Government was exploiting women, and was using them in the- Services and also in A.R.P. at cut prices. A woman driver or nurse injured in a blitz would get far less compensation than a man who was underground in a shelter

Mr At-tlce. replying, said he wanted to see equal compensation, but it was not easy. The Government proposed that a select committee investigate the- question. Many Commoners thereupon attacked" the select, committee proposal, declaring it was not statesmanship, but a device of political cowardice. Mrs Tate’s amendment was rejected by 229 to 95.