HC Deb 02 November 1944 vol 404 c931
Dr. Edith Summerskill

I beg to present a Petition from 66,000 working house-wives and others, who feel that an injustice is suffered by those working housewives who, while serving the family and the country by home-making and the bearing and rearing of children, are not legally entitled to any return for their work although it is of inestimable value to the nation. Furthermore these women are the only workers in the country who are completely dependent, and they are denied the right to any savings out of the house-keeping allowance, or to a share of the home which is built up by the efforts of both husband and wife. Wherefore, your Petitioners pray that legislation may be passed which will make the working housewife a partner by giving her a right to an equal share with her husband of the home and its income.

Back to