§ 17. Commander Nobleasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that about 100 W.R.N.S. left this country for Ceylon as recently as 1st October; and whether, observing that it is the intention to withdraw by the end of the year all W.R.N.S. stationed in Ceylon, such drafting has now ceased.
Mr. AlexanderI am aware of the recent draft of W.R.N.S. to Ceylon but I have no knowledge of any intention to withdraw all W.R.N.S. stationed in Ceylon by the end of this year.
§ Commander NobleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that about half of this party were disembarked at Malta and returned to this country?
Mr. AlexanderNo, Sir; I would like to have notice of that question. All I can say is that the Women's Royal Naval Service who have been despatched on this route are sent out—at least when they are despatched—to relieve W.R.N.S. who have been demobilised.