§ Mr. J. DAVISONasked the Minister of Labour whether, at the time that the women's corps were formed, women members of his staff were encouraged to leave the Ministry service for the purpose of enrolling for overseas service when they desired to do so; and, if not, what were the reasons which made their services in the Department indispensable?
§ Sir M. BARLOWNo inducement was offered to permanent women officers of the Ministry of Labour to leave the Ministry's service for the purpose of enrolling for overseas service. The Ministry of Labour was required to undertake important special duties connected with the prosecution of the War; and in addition to the extra work devolving on the women staff in connection with the recruitment of the various women's corps and for munitions, the trained women officers were also required to take the place of men released for military duty.