25. Miss Wardasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the Women's Royal Naval Service are not members of the Armed Forces of the Crown, he will give an assurance that any privileges or protection which may be accorded in the post-war years to the Armed Forces will also be extended to the Women's Royal Naval Service?
§ The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander)While it is difficult for me to give an unqualified assurance in regard to future legislation, I am prepared to say that, so far as lies within the power of the Admiralty, all steps will be taken to ensure that the Women's Royal Naval Service is treated no less favourably than the other women's Services.
Miss WardDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that it would perhaps be wiser to include the Women's Royal Naval Service in the Armed Forces of the Crown?
§ Mr. AlexanderThat is another matter, but they were regarded as being part of the Armed Forces for the purpose of the National Service Act.
§ Sir Granville GibsonIn view of the fact that they are not part of the Armed Forces of the Crown, will members of this Service be entitled to decorations after the war as in the case of the Armed Forces?
§ Mr. AlexanderI think they would be entitled to decorations, but I should like to have notice of questions on matters of detail.
26. Viscountess Davidsonasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many members of the Women's Royal Naval Service are employed in the Admiralty?
§ Mr. AlexanderThe numbers of W.R.N.S. personnel employed in the Admiralty, including W.R.N.S. Headquarters, are: 70 officers and 275 ratings. In addition, 5 officers and 207 ratings are attached to the Admiralty for various services.
§ Sir Herbert Williams.Could the right hon. Gentleman say why people in uniform are employed upon what are, in fact, civilian duties?
§ Mr. AlexanderIf I broke down the figures in great detail, the hon. Member would find that we do not employ serving personnel in great numbers for clerical and civilian duties.