§ Mr. Lipsonasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has considered the particulars sent to him concerning a married member of the W.R.N.S. who was given leave without pay on 1st October on account of pregnancy, but not provided with civilian clothing coupons and given only a emergency food ration card, was taken ill on 2nd November at Oxford, where a child was prematurely born and lived only II hours; and, as this was due to travelling, worry and anxiety, will he ensure that, when members of the W.R.N.S. are granted leave under similar circumstances, they are given civilian status and provided with full coupons and ration cards from the office of the Director of the W.R.N.S.?
373W
Mr. AlexanderI am obliged to my hon. Friend for bringing this matter to my notice. New regulations came into force on 1st October whereby officers granted indefinite unpaid leave under such circumstances were to be given a certificate to enable them to obtain a civilian identity card, which would in turn enable them to get their ration book and their supplementary food and clothing coupons. This officer's release was authorised on 14th September to take effect from 1st October. By an unfortunate error the correct certificate was not given to this officer at the time of her discharge. I am assured that steps have been taken to prevent a recurrence of this error, which is deeply regretted.