§ 58. Mr. GALLACHERasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, when the liner "Laurentic" arrived at Southampton in the early hours of 16th November with Army reservists returning from Palestine, officers' wives were immediately let aboard, while the women folk of other ranks were compelled to remain ashore in the rain and not permitted to see their men until disembarkation many hours later; whether such discrimination is a general practice; and, if so, what is its purpose?
§ Sir V. WARRENDERI am informed that when this boat arrived at 1 a.m. on 16th November, only three people were waiting for her besides the embarkation staff, and all were allowed to go on board immediately. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative; the third, therefore, does not arise.
§ Mr. GALLACHERIs the Minister not aware that womenfolk, the wives and members of the family of the rank and file, were there and stood on the dock for hours in the rain before they were allowed to meet their husbands and relatives?
Sir V. WAR RENDERI have had careful inquiries made, and my information is that there was one wife waiting, and that she was immediately allowed on board ship.