HC Deb 23 July 1941 vol 373 c865
14. Sir Francis Fremantle

asked the Secretary of State for Air why women medical officers recruited to the Royal Air Force are not given the rank, status and title accorded to male medical officers in the service?

Sir A. Sinclair

Women medical officers commissioned for service with the medical branch of the R.A.F have the status of officers, and the relative ranks pertaining to their duties, and they are addressed as medical officers.

Sir F. Fremantle

I should like to know why the title is not given, as in the case of male medical officers, and whether the right hon. Gentleman thinks it decent and congruous that a woman medical officer should have to be addressed as Miss Smith, Medical Officer, with the relative rank, squadron leader or whatever it may he?

Sir A. Sinclair

In the case of women's services, such as the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and the nursing services, special designations apply to the members.

Sir F. Fremantle

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that women medical officers are in a quite different position from other women officers? They have gone through the same training and have the same duties and responsibilities, which include discipline. The danger is, as is always the case, if they are not given a proper title.

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