HC Deb 11 May 1939 vol 347 cc711-2W
Colonel Ponsonby

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet in a position to make any announcement with regard to conditions of service in the Voluntary Aid Detachments?

Sir V. Warrender

It has been decided on the basis of a revised establishment of women members of Voluntary Aid Detachments, provisionally fixed at 11,000 of which not more than 2,000 would be immoble non-nursing members, and on the understanding that members will undertake to come up for service in a national emergency when called upon to do so under the authority of the Army Council, to authorise the following payments, in substitution of those at present approved:

Annual payments to the Voluntary Aid Detachment Council of—

  • £2,000 for central administration expenses.
  • £5,000 towards general expenses of the County Controllers and Voluntary Aid Detachments in the country.
  • £1 a head for members and £2 for officers for the provision of uniform.

In addition to these payments, women personnel of Voluntary Aid Detachments will receive payments for attendance at camp hospitals with the Territorial Army and for training in Military Hospitals, at the rate of £1 for eight days and £2 for 15 days in the case of officers, and 10s. for eight days and £1 for 15 days in the case of members. Apart from these payments, they will continue, as at present, to be given accommodation, rations or allowances, and free conveyance or travelling expenses to and from camp or hospital.