§ 40. Mr. Leslieasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider releasing married women from service in the A.T.S. where it is shown that the wife is required to look after an invalid husband and carry out necessary household duties owing to the impossibility of securing outside assistance.
§ Sir J. GriggReleases are at present being granted in this type of case when the circumstances justify this course. But in view of the shortage of man-power which, of course, includes woman-power, each individual application has to be very carefully and indeed critically scrutinised.
§ Mr. LeslieIs the Minister aware of two cases which I sent to the War Office, of a husband who is paralysed and a husband who broke his leg in a mining accident? Surely in cases like that, where it is impossible to get assistance, the wives should be discharged rather than be sent on compassionate leave for a short period?
§ Sir J. GriggI do not remember those cases, but I will certainly look into them and in due course send an answer to the hon. Member.
Mr. De la BèreIs it not a fact that there is not nearly enough human understanding in these matters?
§ Sir J. GriggOn the contrary, there is a great deal of human understanding, but the number of applications in these cases is so large that, if any large proportion of them were acceded to, the effect on the man-power of the Army would be very serious indeed.
Mr. De la BèreMy right hon. Friend should appreciate the very strong feeling in the country about this matter.