Sir CHARLES SYKESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether his attention has been called to the case of Miss Louie Fethney, of Huddersfield, employed during the War as examiner of munitions for the Admiralty, who, in the course of her duties, lost her life in an accident in May, 1918; and, having regard thereto and to the splendid and unrecorded heroism of the working women generally of this country employed during the War in dangerous occupations, in which hundreds have sacrificed their lives, steps will be taken to put on public record their courage and devotion to duty in their country's cause?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have been asked to answer this question. I deeply regret2130W that Miss Fethney lost her life by an explosion in the factory in which she was employed. Her death was, unfortunately, one of a number which occurred from time to time, and exemplifies the risks which were in many cases unavoidably attendant on the employment in which a section of war workers were engaged. We fully appreciate the courage and devotion to duty of civilians of both sexes who during the War rendered most valuable service in face of great personal risk. My hon. Friend's purpose is to suggest that in some way the country's sense of gratitude should be marked by the erection of a permanent memorial. I suggest to him that the question is one for the War Cabinet.