§ 25. Captain Sir Ian Fraserasked the Secretary of State for War whether the three Service Departments will review urgently the application of military law to the Women's Royal Naval Service, Auxiliary Territorial Service, and Women's Auxiliary Air Force, in order to dispose of existing anomalies and to 839 ensure that there may be one standard of discipline and control throughout these women's forces and so as to safeguard the armed Forces against occasional lapses of duty amongst women who are undertaking important or confidential work?
§ Sir E. GriggMembers of the Auxiliary Territorial Service and Women's Auxiliary Air Force are already subject to Military and Air Force law in virtue of Sections 175 (7) or(8) and 176 (9) or (10) of the Army and Air Force Acts. Their position under these Acts does not render them liable to be punished for purely military offences, and the question of a special code, applicable to all three Women's Corps, is being examined in the light of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1940.
§ Sir I. FraserIs my hon. Friend aware that although these women come under some sections of the military law there is this essential difficulty, that they are enrolled instead of being enlisted? Consequently, there is no ultimate sanction for carrying out any minor punishment which may be given to them, and that makes it extremely difficult for commanding officers, in the rare cases where lapses occur, to keep proper discipline. Does my hon. Friend not think it would be in the interest of the Service, especially where these women are engaged upon secret undertakings, to have a proper and rational system of law, and does he not think that the women themselves would be proud to be under it?
§ Sir E. GriggAs I have said, some sanction exists in the sections which I have mentioned in the Ministry and Air Force law, but I agree with my hon. and gallant Friend that it is desirable to go very fully into the subject, and the Services are now jointly doing so.
§ Dr. Edith SummerskillCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the number of cases, of the nature referred to in the Question, which has been brought to his notice is much greater in the women's force than in the men's?
§ Sir E. GriggI can answer only for the Army, and as far as I know the number of cases has been extremely small.
Miss WardDoes my hon. Friend's answer indicate that consideration is being 840 given to the reorganisation of the Auxiliary Territorial Service?
§ Sir E. GriggThat is an entirely different Question, and perhaps the hon. Lady will put it down.