§ 4. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Secretary of State for War what prompted the Army Council to suggest that all mobile Voluntary Aid Detachments, particularly the auxiliary nurses, should be transferred to the Auxiliary Territorial Service and made part of that body; whether he will give a guarantee that such steps, in view of the representations made to him, will not now be carried into effect, and that the nursing members of the Voluntary Aid Detachments will be allowed to continue with their work free from Army discipline and uniforms?
§ Sir J. GriggUntil I have received the deputation from the organisations concerned, I do not think I can usefully make any statement on the subject. Perhaps I may add that I have arranged to receive the deputation on Friday of this week.
§ Earl WintertonWould the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to receive the Parliamentary deputation next week?
§ Sir J. GriggIf that is thought to be necessary.
§ Major-General Sir Alfred KnoxWill the right hon. Gentleman agree not to issue any regulations until this matter has been discussed by the House?
§ Sir J. GriggI think that if the hon. and gallant Member will await the statement, he may find that it may not be necessary to give any explicit assurance.