§ Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZONasked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he is aware that, in spite of the fact that the Women's Royal Air Force are asking for more drivers, women of long experience are being dismissed from Kennington; why it is that such action is being taken atKennington alone; whether the employment of newly-enlisted men without previous experience, costing the State 14s. and 29s. a week more for light and heavy cars respectively, is in any way equitable or economical; whether he will take steps to see that the general management of the Kennington garage be investigated, both from the point of view of its attitude towards members of the Women's Royal Air Force and economy generally in personnel?
§ Major-General SEELYAny recent recruitments of women drivers have been for the Mobile Division of the Women's Royal Air Force. The dismissals at Kennington have been of women belonging to the Immobile Division, who can only be employed in the neighbourhood of their own homes, and they have been replaced, so far as possible, by demobilised Service men. I am advised that, taking all factors into account, this action tends to economy. With regard to the last part of the question, I am having special inquiries made.