§ 1. Mr. Lipsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is his intention to permit women to be eligible for posts in the Diplomatic and Consular Services?
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)On 17th September a deputation, organised by the Woman Power Committee, and representing 25 organisations interested in this question, called upon me to press for the admission of women into the Diplomatic and Consular Services. I informed the deputation that I would consider the views they had put forward, and I fear that I am not yet in a position to make any further statement on the matter.
§ Mr. LipsonWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for that answer, may I ask him why, in view of the fact that women have justified themselves in every field of service open to them, he is taking so long to decide whether women otherwise suitable for diplomatic openings should not be excluded solely on account of their sex?
§ Mr. EdenI do not think it is quite so simple as my hon. Friend puts it, but I would rather not debate it.