CHILDLESS WIVES OF SERVING MEN

HC Deb 06 October 1942 vol 383 cc1070-1

47. Major Stourton

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of public disquiet at the proposal, it is intended to proceed with the conscription of wives of serving members of the Forces who have no children?

Mr. Tomlinson

I have been asked to reply. This question arose out of a recommendation of the Markham Committee and is under consideration. No change could be made without legislation.

Major Stourton

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that any such plan is thoroughly bad in principle, that it would be bitterly resented by the personnel of His Majesty's Forces, and that morale would suffer?

Miss Rathbone

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is equally strong feeling in the country that it is time that childless wives of Service men should do their bit the same as the rest of the community?