– in the House of Commons at on 9 March 1939.
Dr Edith Summerskill
, Fulham West
asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that only single women are being asked to apply for the vacancies now advertised in the women's police force; and whether he will consider making recommendations with a view to making married, women eligible for appointment?
Mr Samuel Hoare
, Chelsea
The condition that a candidate for appointment as a policewoman must be unmarried or a widow is prescribed by the Police (Women) Regulations. This is the normal rule in the public services, and I would not feel justified in departing from it in the case of the women police.
Dr Edith Summerskill
, Fulham West
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that local authorities throughout the country are employing married women in their teaching and public health services, and that even this House does not put a bar upon married women, and does he not see, therefore, that his attitude is not in accordance with the modern trend?
Mr Samuel Hoare
, Chelsea
That opens a very big question for discussion. It is the general practice in the public service, and in this case the existing regulations were made after consultation with the Police Council.
Dr Edith Summerskill
, Fulham West
Will the right hon. Gentleman make recommendations to the appropriate authority in view of the fact that times are changing and that the work that these women would be called upon to do would be chiefly in connection with women and young girls and that marriage could not be a handicap?
Mr Samuel Hoare
, Chelsea
I am not satisfied that there is any reason to change the present position, but if the hon. Lady will send me any information on the subject I will look into it.
Dr Edith Summerskill
, Fulham West
Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me what attributes a woman losses on marriage which make her unfitted for this work?
Mr. Deputy-Speaker:
There are a great number of questions on the Paper.
The Speaker is an MP who has been elected to act as Chairman during debates in the House of Commons. He or she is responsible for ensuring that the rules laid down by the House for the carrying out of its business are observed. It is the Speaker who calls MPs to speak, and maintains order in the House. He or she acts as the House's representative in its relations with outside bodies and the other elements of Parliament such as the Lords and the Monarch. The Speaker is also responsible for protecting the interests of minorities in the House. He or she must ensure that the holders of an opinion, however unpopular, are allowed to put across their view without undue obstruction. It is also the Speaker who reprimands, on behalf of the House, an MP brought to the Bar of the House. In the case of disobedience the Speaker can 'name' an MP which results in their suspension from the House for a period. The Speaker must be impartial in all matters. He or she is elected by MPs in the House of Commons but then ceases to be involved in party politics. All sides in the House rely on the Speaker's disinterest. Even after retirement a former Speaker will not take part in political issues. Taking on the office means losing close contact with old colleagues and keeping apart from all groups and interests, even avoiding using the House of Commons dining rooms or bars. The Speaker continues as a Member of Parliament dealing with constituent's letters and problems. By tradition other candidates from the major parties do not contest the Speaker's seat at a General Election. The Speakership dates back to 1377 when Sir Thomas Hungerford was appointed to the role. The title Speaker comes from the fact that the Speaker was the official spokesman of the House of Commons to the Monarch. In the early years of the office, several Speakers suffered violent deaths when they presented unwelcome news to the King. Further information can be obtained from factsheet M2 on the UK Parliament website.
