DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICES (WOMEN).

HC Deb 23 November 1938 vol 341 cc1728-9

5. Mr. Day

asked the Prime Minister particulars of any further decision arrived at by the Government with reference to the admission of women to the diplomatic and/or consular services?

Mr. Butler

There has been no further decision. Women are not eligible for admission into the Diplomatic and Consular Services, and the views of His Majesty's Government remain as stated in the White Paper (Cmd. 5166) issued in April, 1936.

Mr. Day

Have any reports been received as to the success of woman diplomats in other countries?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir.

Mr. Thorne

The Minister must know that many women are more reliable than men?

Captain McEwen

Will His Majesty's Government think twice before admitting to the Diplomatic and Consular services an addition of such doubtful value?

Miss Rathbone

May we not infer that new blood is needed in the Diplomatic service from the fact that the Prime Minister has thought it necessary to act outside that service in his recent negotiations with foreign Powers?

Mr. Butler

I cannot accept the inference of the last question. The personnel accompanying the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary to Paris will show that that view of the situation is unfounded.