§ 62. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is his intention to arrange for a further issue of clothing coupons to members of the W.L.A. released between June and December, 1945, similar to that recently announced in respect of members of the Armed Forces released between these dates.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsMembers of the Women's Land Army, unlike members of the Women's Auxiliary Services, receive year by year their civilian ration of clothing coupons, and in addition they are provided with a uniform which includes all essential items of working kit. Members with over two years' service already receive a bonus issue of coupons on release, and I do not think that any further provision of coupons is called for.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House why, in view of the fact that an extra issue has been made to former members of the Armed Forces, there should be this discrimination against these girls other than the weakness of his Department in standing up for them?
§ Mr. WilliamsThe hon. Member is entirely wrong. There is no discrimination against members of the. Women's Land Army. In point of fact, they have perhaps had the best of the bargain throughout. Whatever they may have had, they have richly deserved it.