HC Deb 27 January 1942 vol 377 c565
74. Captain Duncan

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the large number of chauffeurs driving Government and private motor cars in London; and as these men by the nature of their calling must have some engineering experience, will he arrange for them to be drafted into munitions production and their places taken by chauffeuses?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Tomlinson)

This matter is being kept under constant review, and chauffeurs and other drivers of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers are being transferred to the heavier types of vehicle, including public service vehicles. Women are being called upon to replace men so far as replacement is necessary and the nature and conditions of the work permit.

Captain Duncan

In how many Government Departments are there no women chauffeurs?

Mr. Tomlinson

I could not say without notice.

Captain Duncan

Is it not a fact that there is not one Department that has a single woman chauffeur? Will the hon. Gentleman take the matter into serious consideration?