§ 44 and 57. Sir J. Lucasasked the Home Secretary (1) whether he is aware that the proposed dismissal of 1,300 trained women members of the Auxiliary Fire Service is causing grave concern, in view of the present crisis; and whether he will make an announcement on the subject;
(2) whether he will consult with the proper authorities with a view to seeing that any competent women members of the Auxiliary Fire Service who may be dismissed from motives of economy will be given an opportunity of transferring to the Auxiliary Territorial Service or other suitable body, in view of the fact that the vast majority of those affected joined from motives of patriotism, and not for financial reasons?
§ Sir J. AndersonAs part of the normal reorganisation of the London Auxiliary Fire Service it will shortly be necessary to reduce the number of the women telephonists, and some 500 of these will probably be released during the next few weeks. This action will not impair the efficiency of the organisation, and steps will be taken to allow any women affected to be given the opportunity of transferring to the Auxiliary Territorial Service or other similar services. The number given in my hon. Friend's Question apparently includes about 630 cooks. There is no question of reducing the total number of cooks employed, but their position in the organisation is to be altered.