WOMEN'S LAND ARMY.

HC Deb 30 October 1919 vol 120 cc933-4W

Captain BROWN

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if the 30th November has been fixed as the final date for the demobilisation of the Women's Land Army; if any women are being retained after this date; and, if so, of what rank and for what purpose?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

30th November has been fixed as the date of the final demobilisation of the Land Army. A further month will be given to wind up the organisation and ensure that the facilities offered to women by the Government for land settlement and for free passages to the Dominions shall be secured. For this purpose the county organising secretary and such junior staff as is necessary in the county offices, together with the staff at headquarters, will be retained until 31st December. It is estimated that at least 60 per cent. of the women will after demobilisation remain as ordinary employâs of the farmers.