HC Deb 21 October 1943 vol 392 c1484
13. Mr. Linstead

asked the Minister of Labour whether, as the fact that his Department has found in practice that it is useless to direct prostitutes into National Service indicates the need for a comprehensive inquiry to devise constructive measures to deal with the treatment and training of the social and industrial misfit, he will now set up such an inquiry?

Mr. Bevin

I do not think that the difficulties of dealing with the class of person under the National Service scheme are a sufficient reason why I should undertake the suggested inquiry, which would raise many social and medical issues extending far beyond the sphere of my Department.

Mr. Linstead

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that the present situation is the source of a good deal of dissatisfaction to women who are subject to direction and who are tied by direction?

Mr. Bevin

Yes, Sir, but I cannot use the National Service Act for a sociological purpose of this character, or I should bring the whole system into disrepute.