HC Deb 12 February 1947 vol 433 c344
Major Bramall

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will take steps to expedite release from the W.A.A.F. so that women serving in this service are not compelled to serve longer than men in some branches of the R.A.F.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

I think my hon. Friend must be under some misapprehension. There is no trade in the Air Force in which the release of women is behind the release of men, and the general level of release for airwomen is three groups ahead of that for men.

Major Bramall

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are some trades in which women are being retained longer than men in other trades in the Royal Air Force?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir. Of course, we do keep a certain equivalent between the men and women of each trade, although the women are ahead. Is my hon. and gallant Friend really suggesting that all the women should be brought out before any men? I am sure the women would repudiate him on that.

Major Bramall

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the women are paid very considerably less than the men doing the same jobs?