asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any of the female staff employed in Government Departments have been asked to resign during the previous 12 months on account of their marriage?

Yes, Sir; by the Regulations made under the Order in Council of 22nd July, 1920, women holding any established situation in the Civil Service are required to resign their appointments on marriage.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many women have been asked to resign during the last 12 months?

The number of retirements in 1928 involving the marriage gratuity was 1,581.