HC Deb 15 October 1941 vol 374 cc1343-4
14. Miss Cazalet

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether special shipping facilities will be granted to British women wishing to return to this country from the United States of America and Canada?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Colonel Llewellin)

In view of the heavy demand for shipping for military and other Government requirements, I regret that special provision for British women wishing to travel from Canada and the United States to this country cannot be arranged for the time being.

Miss Cazalet

In view of the fact that British women are not allowed to take up any employment in America or to receive any money from this side, would it not be possible for those who wish to return to be granted A priority?

Colonel Llewellin

I am afraid not. We have such pressure on our cabin accommodation to bring back Government officials and other persons that I am afraid we cannot give that priority. I wish we could.

Miss Eleanor Rathbone

Will an exception be made in the case of highly qualified women whose services would be particularly useful or where there are special grounds of hardship in remaining across the water?

Colonel Llewellin

We do everything we can to bring them back. There is a system of working out priorities with our agents on the other side, both in Canada and in the United States. Such passages as are available are allocated according to a system of priority.

Mr. George Griffiths

Would it be possible to bring these women back and put them on war work?

Colonel Llewellin

No, it is a question of priority. I am dealing with the question of cabin space in ships coming across the Atlantic.