HC Deb 30 January 1945 vol 407 c1268
32. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in connection with compulsory service of the A.T.S. overseas, he will give an assurance that there will be an opportunity at the end of six months' service overseas for giving favourable consideration to those applicants who apply to be posted to stations on the home front.

Sir J. Grigg

I regret that I cannot give my hon. Friend the assurance for which he asks. As I explained in the Debate on 24th January, provision will be made for repatriating members of the A.T.S. when compassionate circumstances arise after they have been posted abroad.

Mr. De la Bère

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that what is exercising the minds of a large section of the general public and of parents, is that this Measure was not just a temporary Measure to meet an emergency, but was intended for garrison duty in occupied areas after the war; and is not this really a litle beyond what was contained in the Bill?

Sir J. Grigg

I do not know on what the hon. Member bases his remarks. I should have thought that, if he wanted to raise that point, he had an admirable opportunity in the Debate last Wednesday.

Mr. De la Bère

That is not at all reassuring. I feel that it is quite wrong to use these girls for garrison duty in the occupied countries after the war with Germany. Why should they be conscripted?

Mr. Speaker

That is another Question.