31. Mr. Astorasked the Secretary of State for War what were the reasons for which the Africa Star was refused to the members of the M.T.C. who were the first women's unit to serve in the Middle East.
§ Sir J. GriggThis unit of the M.T.C. was never part of the Army and the organisation itself was never recognised by the Army. This does not mean that the duties they performed in Egypt were not most useful but the help they gave did not differ in essence from that rendered by many civilians working with the Middle East Forces during that time.
Mr. AstorIn view of the very unsatisfactory nature of that reply I beg to give 1252 notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.