59. Lieut.-Colonel Amoryasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the growing public concern at the large numbers of women still being retained in the Services without useful work to perform; and whether he will arrange with the Services concerned for an immediate speeding up in the rates of release.
§ Mr. IsaacsI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my public statement of 2nd October about releases from the Forces, and the statements I made in the Debate on 22nd October, to which I am not at present prepared to add.
Lieut.-Colonel AmoryWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, in addition to the loss to the national effort, these women—many of whom were volunteers—now find themselves at a disadvantage in securing civil positions in relation to younger women who are no longer liable to call-up?
§ Mr. IsaacsIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman would send me particulars of those cases, we will look into them but, generally, we have no such information.
§ Mr. StephenWould the Minister consider issuing a considered statement bringing up to date all the different alterations that have been made?
§ Mr. IsaacsA statement is now in preparation—is, in fact, being printed—setting out in as great detail as possible all the questions raised in the House, together with the answers. I hope it will be circulated next week.