HC Deb 18 December 1941 vol 376 cc2048-9
1. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will endeavour to make arrangements in connection with the direc- tion of married women into industry that they shall be granted reasonable time off when their husbands are on leave?

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Reply which I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for East Fife (Mr. Henderson Stewart) on 1st October; and would add that when the wives of men serving in the Forces or in the Merchant Navy enter employment away from home they do so voluntarily and not under direction.

Mr. Mander

In view of the very great importance of this matter and the very natural and strong feelings which exist, could not a regulation be made that when soldiers are on leave, particularly from overseas, their wives, if they are working on munitions, should be given time off?

Mr. Bevin

Apart from any question of issuing a regulation I think that course would be impracticable.

Mr. Mander

Could not employers be strongly advised to do this?

Mr. Bevin

Advice has been given to them in the matter.