HC Deb 21 June 1944 vol 401 cc205-6W
Mr. Granville

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the excellent work done in the war effort by the W.V.S., he will consider continuing this organisation after the war, in conjunction with women's institutes, in order to assist the interpretation of schemes for social development, particularly in the rural areas.

Mr. H. Morrison

The Women's Voluntary Services came into being primarily for the purpose of assisting in the organisation of Civil Defence in time of war, but the organisation has also undertaken a variety of services on behalf of a number of Government Departments. The work has been of great value and has proved the advantage of a service which is flexible and can be directed to fulfil new needs as they arise. Decisions as to the continuance and scope of the organisation after the war, and its relations with kindred bodies, must depend upon a number of factors not yet clear, as, well as upon the views and wishes of its members, and there may well be more than one view on the hon. Member's proposal; I shall take a close interest in these questions, and so, I am sure, will my colleagues in other Departments that may be concerned.