HC Deb 21 September 1943 vol 392 cc54-5W
Mr. Hutchinson

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the disappointment caused to members of the Girls' Training Corps and Women's Junior Air Corps by the decision that girls becoming liable for service will in future by directed to factories and will not be able to enter the women's services, he will arrange with the Service Departments that vacancies arising in the women's services shall be allocated to girls who have served in the above corps in priority to those who have not undertaken such service?

Mr. Bevin

I explained in this House on 29th July the reasons for the Government's decision to suspend volunteering for the Women's Auxiliary Services, and I pointed out that existing' vacancies would be filled by women in the 1918–1923 age classes who had already expressed an option for the Women's Services and by women of other age classes who volunteered for the Services on or before 29th July. If the situation changes, and it is decided to re-open volunteering, I hope it may be possible to give an opportunity to serve to young women who have prepared themselves in the pre-service training units, for I fully realise that excellent work is done by them to prepare young women for every form of national service.