HC Deb 19 December 1945 vol 417 cc1309-10
2. Mr. McKie

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the present strength of the W.R.N.S.

Mr. Alexander

The strength of the W.R.N.S. at the end of November was approximately 55,000.

Mr. McKie

Is the First Lord satisfied that demobilisation is proceeding at a proper rate, in regard to these people?

Mr. Alexander

I should say, from the figures, that they are moving more rapidly than any other branch of His Majesty's Service. More than 20,000 of this comparatively small number of people have gone, and they are going very rapidly.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

What will the ultimate strength of the W.R.N.S. be?

Mr. Alexander

I could not say at this stage.