HC Deb 11 February 1980 vol 978 cc499-500W
Mr. Robert Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration has been given by his Department to the problems of wives of Service men who are prevented from pursuing employment due to the pressures of their mobile existence.

Mr. Hayhoe

I am very conscious that the special nature of Service life affects wives and other dependants as well as Service men and women. Their interests are borne in mind when conditions of service and facilities on bases, particularly in isolated locations or overseas, are under consideration. Many who wish to do so are able to find employment in local communities, while a number of jobs are available for dependants on bases. Play groups are widely organised to help working mothers.