§ Mr. Liddallasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what facilities are made available for wives of officers to join their husbands at any oversea station to which the officers may be directed in North America or elsewhere; whether the same, or what, facilities are afforded to the wives or families of other ranks; and whether the whole question will be reconsidered in the light of shipping space and the need for women in war work in this country?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerBy agreement with the Departments concerned, my Ministry allots the accommodation on passenger ships to overseas ports to those who are entitled to travel. Priority is given to persons engaged in Government service or on other essential war business, to women normally domiciled abroad, and to other categories of passengers who are considered to have a valid claim. When the requirements of these passengers have been met, any accommodation which is still available is given to the wives of members of the Forces whom the Service Departments desire to join their husbands. The decision to send wives rests entirely with the Service Departments. So far as I am aware, the principles on which the Service Departments act in making their decision apply equally to the wives of officers and to the wives of other ranks.