HC Deb 23 July 1946 vol 425 c1855
28. Mr. W. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the shortage of female labour of all kinds, he will hold up recruitment of women into the Auxiliary Services until the position has eased.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Ness Edwards)

No. Sir. Voluntary recruitment of women to the Women's Auxiliary Services is designed to lessen the needs of the Services for men, and to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion would delay the release of men now serving.

Mr. Ronald Chamberlain

is it not reasonable that women who have been demobilised and find civilian life distasteful should be able to return to the Services? Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in my constituency a woman has been prevented from returning to the Services, although she is very capable?

Mr. Ness Edwards

That hardly arises on this Question.