HC Deb 11 October 1944 vol 403 cc1776-7W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that men serving in the Army, Navy and R.A.F. whose wives are also members of the A.T.S., W.R.N.S. or W.A.A.F. are becoming anxious lest these Service women be ordered overseas for service with their units without the previous knowledge and consent of their husbands; and whether, under these circumstances, an instruction will be issued to the three Service Departments to that effect and that in no case shall Service women with families be ordered overseas.

Mr. Attlee

A married W.R.N.S. officer or rating who proves that she has a claim based on family responsibilities towards her husband or children is always granted deferment for overseas service (or total exemption, if appropriate). W.R.N.S. ratings for overseas draft are all summoned before an Overseas Selection Board at which they have the opportunity of explaining their home circumstances and requesting deferment of draft, if neccesary. In the A.T.S. and the W.A.A.F. service overseas is at present restricted to volunteers.