HC Deb 16 March 1944 vol 398 cc372-3
3. Sir Irving Albery

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that, in many cases, the heavy call-up of women for various national services and work of national importance has had the effect of diminishing the efficiency of the home, with a resulting decline in the war service efficiency of its members; and if he will review the position, and take further steps to prevent the wastage of woman-power in some Government Departments, services and factories engaged on war work.

Mr. Bevin

The necessity of full mobilisation of woman-power has undoubtedly placed on the housewife a heavy task, and I am glad of this opportunity to give public recognition to the value of their contribution to the war effort. In calling up women for war work, individual consideration is given in every case to the domestic responsibilities of the woman concerned according to war-time standards, and cases of doubt are referred to independent women's panels. The use of woman-power now employed in Government Departments and war factories is, primarily, a matter for the Government Department concerned.

Sir I. Albery

If I give the right hon. Gentleman information concerning the effect of this call-up on certain persons, including the families of soldiers, will he give the matter further consideration?

Mr. Bevin

Certainly, Sir.

14. Sir Herbert Williams

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will arrange to publish a return on the extension in the employment of women in industry during the war, on the lines of the return published on page 216 of the Labour Gazette of June, 1918, which recorded an increase of 44 per cent. between July, 1914, and January, 1918.

Mr. Bevin

It is not in the public interest that a return such as that referred to should be published at present.

Sir. H. Williams

Why is it not in the public interest to do in this war something which was repeatedly done in the last war without any damage to the public interest? Why this excessive desire for secrecy?

Mr. Bevin

I am glad to say that a lot of things which were done in the last war are not being done in this war.

Sir H. Williams

Was not the last war won sooner than this war is being won?