§ Mr. T. GRIFFITHSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that at the Navy, Army and Air Force Institution, Salisbury, male employés are being dismissed and women substituted; can he state the number of men so displaced and the reason for this action; and whether, before taking this action, regard was had to the desirability of employing men rather than women in canteens catering for military camps?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSAs regards the first part of the question, the details regarding staff of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes are matters for the Board of Management, and I have no information about the case to which the hon. Member refers. On the general question of policy, it is recognised that for certain duties in canteens such as those of waitresses, women are more suitable than men. Subject to this consideration, I understand that it is the established policy of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes to give preference to ex-service men wherever possible.