HC Deb 06 June 1944 vol 400 cc1191-2
29. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for War if the regulation regarding ambulance drivers employed by the British Red Cross Society, but operating for his Department, that no women shall be employed unless they have been British for two generations was made by his direction; and if the same regulation applies to A.T.S. drivers.

Sir J. Grigg

I understand that the British Red Cross Society have a rule that their detachment members must have had natural-born British parents, but I understand that they make frequent exceptions to this rule. I should make it clear that the rule was not introduced at the request of the War Office and that no such rule applies in the A.T.S.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the statement in this Question is perfectly correct, and that it has been laid down that nobody should be employed unless they are British subjects; and, seeing that the British Red Cross are sometimes acting under the orders of the War Office, could not this very stupid rule be abrogated?

Sir J. Grigg

As I made clear, I have made inquiries from the Red Cross, and they do make frequent exceptions to their rules. I will convey the hon. Member's observations to the Society, but let me make it clear that I have no control over the Society.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the Minister appreciate that the same principle, if applied to the A.T.S., would rule out a very large number?

Sir J. Grigg

But I do not apply the same principle to the A.T.S., and I made that quite clear.