§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Financial Secretary to the Wax Office how many women are being trained as Royal Army Service Corps motor drivers; and what is their training allowance and their pay when trained?
§ Mr. FORSTERThere are at present 184 women under training. They receive25s. a week less the cost of food and accommodation whilst undergoing training. When fully trained their pay is 38s. to 41s. a week, less deductions for any accommodation, etc., which may be provided.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office is sending over 1,000 girl motor drivers to France; and, if so, why this is being done?
§ Mr. FORSTERThese women motor-drivers are being sent to France to meet a temporary emergency. The maximum number required is estimated to be 1,000, but only 500 are required at present. They are being sent to enable the undertakings regarding the release of demobilisable men to be kept. They will be employed mainly in driving ambulances. Their services will be dispensed with as soon as this is rendered possible by the reduction of the force in France and the increase in the number of Regular personnel of the Royal Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport) available.