HC Deb 21 March 1944 vol 398 cc647-8
9. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Secretary of State for War how many women offered their services to the Home Guard up to 31st December, 1943; and how many have resigned since that date.

Sir J. Grigg

It would be contrary to the usual practice in such cases to give figures but there were three times as many women nominated for service with the Home Guard at the end of December as at the end of June, 1943, and the number has continued to increase. I regret that the figures asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend in the second part of his Question are not available.

Sir T. Moore

Is the Minister aware that, if the War Office took more sympathetic action towards these women, and provided them with adequate uniform and a better status, the volunteers would be greater and the resignations fewer?

Sir J. Grigg

I cannot believe that the absence of a uniform is the dominant consideration, when it is a question of these women giving of their best.

Mr. McEntee

Is it against the law for women in the Home Guard to wear uniform, because, if so, many are doing it?

Sir J. Grigg

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that Question down.