§ Dr. Petersasked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied that the three women's auxiliary services are 1342W efficiently utilising the women allocated to them; whether he will satisfy himself on this point before drafting further women to the Auxiliary Territorial Service, Women's Auxiliary Air Force, or Women's Royal Naval Service; and whether he will state the number of women retained in depots for want of employment elsewhere?
§ Mr. BevinThe efficient use of women allocated to the Women's Auxiliary Services is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friends the Service Ministers, and I am not aware of any evidence which would justify me in intervening in the manner suggested by my hon. Friend. As regards the last part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the Service Ministers concerned.
§ Dr. Petersasked the Secretary of State for Air the number of women who have completed their technical training in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and are retained in the three principal Women's Auxiliary Air Force depots for want of employment at stations or otherwise?
§ Sir A. SinclairThe number of airwomen at the three principal Women's Auxiliary Air Force depots who have completed their technical training and are available for immediate posting is less than 100.
§ Dr. Petersasked the Secretary of State for Air the number of women who have successfully passed the Air Ministry Selection Board for commissioned rank, but who are retained as aircraftwomen in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force depots for want of employment: and whether he will take immediate steps to see that this high-class labour is promptly employed in suitable work?
§ Sir A. SinclairThe number of airwomen at Women's Auxiliary Air Force depots who have been accepted for commissions and are awaiting appointment is twenty-five. It is not anticipated that their appointment will be unduly delayed.