§ Mr. Woodburnasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the circular issued intimating that the strength of the air-raid precautions services was to be reduced in towns in Scotland was interpreted in Dundee as meaning that all the women were to be dismissed; and whether he will bring to the notice of the local authorities that such reduction should be carried through on fair principles applied to both sexes?
§ Mr. MabaneSome of the air-raid precautions services are mainly composed of women, but my right hon. Friend assumes that the hon. Member is referring to the wardens' service. The selection of persons for this service is a matter for the local authority, and I understand that the decision to dispense with paid women wardens in Dundee was taken in order to rearrange duties within the reduced numbers. In answer to the last part of the Question, my right hon. Friend has no reason to think that local authorities do not apply these principles.