W.R.N.S.

HC Deb 31 October 1945 vol 415 cc413-4

44. Mr. McKie

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the present strength of the W.R.N.S.; and how this compares with the figure of the month immediately preceding the termination of hostilities in Europe.

Mr. Alexander

The present strength of the W.R.N.S. is 60,500, which is a reduction of 18 per cent. on the strength on the 30th April.

Major Guy Lloyd

Is it not a fact that a very large number of these young women are sitting about browned off, with little or nothing to do? Could not their release be expedited?

Mr. Alexander

On the contrary, the Women's Royal Naval Service are doing a most valuable part of demobilisation work. We are very short of male writer and supply ratings, and without the help of the W.R.N.S. we could not get through the job.