5. Miss Wardasked the Secretary of State for War whether any alteration in the ration and domestic allowances to officers in the A.T.S. has yet been decided upon.
§ Sir J. GriggAs regards ration allowance, the answer is "Yes, Sir," and as regards servant allowance "No, Sir." Instructions were issued on 17th May, that women should, in future, receive the same ration allowances as men.
Miss WardAs men very often have wives and others to do their domestic work, while women who work just as -long hours have to do their own housework in addition, why should they be deprived of that privilege?
§ Sir J. GriggThat is rather a large question to go into now, but whether the discrimination is justifiable is a matter which I have promised to take into consideration.
§ 18. Lady Apsleyasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will authorise officers and other ranks of the A.T.S. to wear Army pattern berets of a distinctive colour.
§ Sir J. GriggI am not at all sure that this is a suitable time to consider such a proposal.
§ Lady ApsleyWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, might I ask him to bear in mind that the issue of a new cap at the present time would give great satisfaction to members of the A.T.S.?
§ Sir J. GriggIt would also, I think, still further cut into the limited supplies of cloth available to civilians.
§ Commander Sir Archibald SouthbyWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that in the Spring-time, ladies are rather inclined to think about hats?