WOMEN'S LAND ARMY

HC Deb 20 February 1945 vol 408 cc633-4

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson)

With permission, I should like to make a statement on Lady Denman's resignation from the Women's Land Army. Lady Denman's resignation, which I very greatly regret, means a heavy loss to the W.L.A. to which she has given most valuable leadership and loyal service since its inauguration. Her resignation was based on the fact that members of the W.L.A. have not been included in the schemes, in particular the Business Grants scheme, which have been announced for financial assistance to members of the Women's Auxiliary Services and Civil Defence Services.

As indicated in the Debate on the Adjournment on 14th February, the Government consider that while members of the W.L.A. have rendered national service of the highest value and often at great personal sacrifice the differences in conditions of recruitment and service that exist between the W.L.A. and the other Services preclude treatment on the same basis. The case of the W.L.A. is under separate and I can assure hon. Members, sympathetic consideration, and I hope to be able to make an early announcement on the matter.

Mrs. Cazalet Keir

In view of the strong and legitimate resentment felt by the Women's Land Army on this question may I ask when my right hon. Friend can make a further statement?

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Will my right hon. Friend be ready to answer the Questions I have addressed to him on this matter for Thursday?

Mr. Hudson

I would not like to make that promise.

Mr. Bellenger

Is not my right hon. Friend under some misapprehension? Is it not the case that Lady Denman resigned not only on the ground that the business scheme would not apply to the Women's Land Army, but because they were not included in the Services gratuities scheme?

Mr. Hudson

I have already said: Her resignation was based on the fact that members of the W.L.A. have not been included in these schemes, in particular the Business Grants scheme.

Miss Rathbone

In view of the unfortunate effect this matter is likely to have, both on women who want to resign from the Women's Land Army, and on those who are reluctant to join it, cannot the arrangements which are intended be expedited?

Mr. Silverman

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why in his statement he particularised the reference to the business scheme when it is perfectly clear that the real grievance is the exclusion from all schemes?

Mr. Hudson

That is what Lady Denman says in her letter of resignation.

Mr. De la Bère

Then why not give the Women's Land Army a square deal?