HC Deb 04 May 1944 vol 399 cc1448-9
3. Captain Plugge

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is still calling up older women for war work; and whether, since the start of the year, any women have been discharged from factories hitherto manufacturing war material no longer needed.

Mr. Bevin

Yes, Sir. I am calling upon older women in districts where they are needed. The women released as a result of reduced production of certain munitions are in general needed for transfer to other vital war work.

Captain Plugge

In such cases of release, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he will give preference to elderly ladies?

Viscountess Astor

Is the right hon. Gentleman ascertaining that women who left the country at the beginning of the war, and have since returned home, are all being put into jobs? It is very important.

Mr. Bevin

That is another question of which I should like notice. The question of release depends where the release takes place, and on the demand in that particular area.