§ 93. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Minister of War Transport whether he is aware that some 2,500 British girls who married Australian servicemen during the war have for months been awaiting a passage to Australia; and what steps he is taking to arrange for these girls to join their husbands.
§ 95. Colonel Ponsonbyasked the Minister of War Transport if he has considered 13W the delay in repatriation of many Australians and their wives now in this country; how many of them are now awaiting passages; and what prospect he can hold out for them in the near future.
§ 101. Sir J. Lucasasked the Minister of War Transport what provision is being made for sending to Australia the English wives of Australian personnel who married while serving in this country; and when this transport can be effected.
§ Mr. BarnesI am informed that some 2,000 or 2,500 British dependants of Australian servicemen are awaiting passage to Australia. Everything practicable will be done to secure that they shall move, so far as possible, at a rate corresponding to that at which similar dependants awaiting passage to other Dominions are repatriated. In addition to the normal opportunities, I have arranged for two troopships to leave for Australia and New Zealand in March, in which a considerable amount of passenger accommodation will be placed at the disposal of the two High Commissioners. Further arrangements will be made as opportunity offers.