HC Deb 24 November 1942 vol 385 cc649-50
28. Dr. Edith Summerskill

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the women in the Auxiliary Services of the United States of America are being paid at the same rates as the men in the Services; and whether he will consider adopting the same principle?

Sir J. Grigg

As regards the first part of the Question, I have heard that this is so. I am not considering a departure from the present basis of paying women in the Army.

Dr. Summerskill

Does not the Minister think, in view of, the fact that these women are serving the country so magnificently, that the time has now arrived when they should be dealt with equitably in this matter?

Sir J. Grigg

That is a matter of opinion. I should be the last in the world to belittle or not to give full credit to the services that women are rendering, but the question of pay concerns many other Departments than mine.