§ 21. Viscount CURZONasked the Secretary of State for War whether any women were now employed by the War Office discharging the duties of motor drivers or carrying out duties formerly carried out by the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps; if so, how many; and whether it was intended to continue their employment?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe number of enrolled women employed as motor drivers is 1,094, including 236 under notice. Reductions are constantly being made as their terms of enrolment expire. In addition, there are a certain number of women civilians temporarily employed upon work formerly carried out by members of the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps, as men with the requisite experience and qualifications are not in all cases available. The numbers cannot be given without an inquiry throughout all commands. I am not in a position to say how long it may be necessary to continue their employment.
§ Viscount CURZONIs it not possible to employ some of the discharged soldiers and sailors on duties now undertaken by women?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat is being kept in mind as far as possible, and the numbers of women are being reduced very rapidly and drastically. There must be a certain give and take in these matters and a certain consideration. We are reducing the numbers of women as fast as possible. I do not think we ought to take up the position of driving the whole lot out by a stroke of the pen.
Sir F. HALLDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that thirteen months after the Armistice, with an enormous number of men asking for jobs, it would be a great deal better to get rid of these women in order to give the men a chance?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLWe are getting rid of the women in a very rapid way. I do not agree at all that thirteen months have been wasted.