§ 69. Mr. Erringtonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he proposes to authorise a branch of the Women's Royal Naval Auxiliary Service at Liverpool, in view of the fact that, in the event of war, the port of Liverpool would become more important as a naval port?
§ Mr. ShakespeareIt is not intended to form a division of the Women's Royal Naval Service at Liverpool during peace. In the event of war, Women's Royal Naval Service divisions or sub-divisions would be formed where circumstances justified them.
§ 73. Mr. Kirbyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many women in Liverpool have volunteered for service in the Women's Royal Naval Service; whether there are any vacancies in Liverpool units; if so, whether for officers or other classes of volunteers; and what are the qualifications needed in the various ranks?
Mr. ShakespeaereApproximately 200 inquiries in regard to the Women's Royal Naval Service have been received from women living in Liverpool. As it is not at present proposed to raise units of the Service at Liverpool or elsewhere than at the large naval ports, the further points dealt with in the hon. Member's question do not arise.
§ Mr. KirbyDoes not the hon. Gentleman think it would be better to organise these women now in order that they might get accustomed to what would be required of them in the way of duties in war time?
§ Mr. ShakespeareWe have a nucleus organisation, but the services of these women will replace naval Service Ratings in naval establishments, and I think it would be better to wait until war time to deal with the cases as they arose.
§ Mr. KirbyCould not they be trained by means of lectures on the theory of the 2232 work they might have to do? Surely, their services could be utilised in some way?
§ Mr. LoganAre there not enough people in Liverpool without women being brought into the Naval Service?
§ Mr. ShakespeareThere is no naval establishment there. This service is primarily in connection with the work of the home ports.