§ 18. Captain BOWYERasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is the fact that in demobilising women workers at the Admiralty widows and dependants of fallen sailors and soldiers have already been discharged; whether married women and single girls not thus bereaved are still retained; and whether steps will be taken to see that these widows and dependants are retained at their work until every married woman and single girl not thus dependent has been discharged?
§ Dr. MACNAMARASo far as I have able to ascertain, no women coming within the category mentioned in the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question have been discharged. If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me the evidence on which he bases it, I will have it investigated.
As regards the latter part of the question, the Admiralty will certainly give, and have always given, priority to the claims of women workers who are widows or dependants of fallen sailors and soldiers.