§ Mr. W. R. Duckworthasked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any statement as to the extent to which in time of war it would be proposed to utilise the services of women in the public transport services?
§ Captain WallaceI have been asked to reply. I am not in a position to make a statement as to the extent to which the services of women might be utilised in public transport services in the event of war. The decision whether to employ women to replace men called up for service with the Armed Forces is one which would rest with the individual undertakings.
Under the existing Schedule of Reserved Occupations provision is made for the reservation of drivers of road passenger vehicles but not of conductors, who could no doubt be replaced, if neces- 1509W sity should arise, by men not of military age or by women.