HC Deb 17 December 1942 vol 385 cc2051-2
19. Mr. McEntee

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Regional Commissioners for the London Civil Defence Region are refusing approval for the provision of separate lavatory accommodation for women wardens, when it is the policy of his Department that separate accommodation must be provided for women engaged in fire-watching at business premises; and whether he will see that separate lavatory accommodation is made for women wardens?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

I am not aware that there has been any refusal to authorise separate provision where the need is established. The numbers on duty are smaller and other circumstances differentiate wardens' posts from business premises.

Mr. McEntee

Does my right hon. Friend think it right that the people who forgather all night at these posts should not have separate accommodation?

Mr. Morrison

The numbers are very small, and accommodation is often restricted. To provide separate accommodation would involve a considerable amount of labour which is not available. After all, there is no difficulty about this when private families are visited by their friends.