HC Deb 23 July 1942 vol 382 c175
49. Sir Percy Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture why the issue of further badges to the Women's Land Army has been refused; whether similar treatment is being meted out to the Auxiliary Territorial Service and other women's forces; and, if not, why this discrimination?

Mr. Hudson

The manufacture of Women's Land Army badges has been discontinued on account of the present demands on non-ferrous metal. The possibility of providing a badge of substitute material and of satisfactory type is now being explored. I regret that I am not in a position to answer the second and third parts of the Question.

Sir P. Hurd

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these young women who have to go to work on the land regard him as their special guardian and would much appreciate it if he would see what is done for other Forces and take care that there is no discrimination against the Women's Land Army?

Mr. Hudson

As I have said, we are doing our best to find substitute materials.