36. Mrs. Rathboneasked the Minister of Labour whether it will be both his policy and practice in the registration and calling-up of women for war work to utilise all suitable single unoccupied women, irrespective of their income, over 20 a wide range of ages before calling on those women who are married, with or without children, or engaged in other necessary family commitments?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Assheton)My right hon. Friend cannot wait to register a large number of age groups before taking action, as the process of registration necessarily takes time. It was decided to register married women as well as single because some married women have no domestic responsibilities: moreover, the position of married women who are normally wage-earners must be safeguarded. My right hon. Friend will take into full account the domestic responsibilities of all women concerned, whether married or single; the question of income does not arise.