§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is now able to make a statement on the Government's proposals regarding the future of the W.L.A.
§ Dr. Summerskillasked the Minister of Agriculture whether any scheme is to be introduced for the training and resettlement of the W.L.A. after the war.
Mr. HudsonThe further education and training scheme, and the vocational training scheme, particulars of which have already been announced, will be available for suitable members of the Women's Land Army in common with men and women released from other forms of war service.
Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture the approximate number of W.L.A. that he wishes to retain for the 12 months immediately following on the conclusion of the European war.
Mr. HudsonI am satisfied that agriculture will need, during the period to which my hon. Friend refers, the services of as many of the present members of the Women's Land Army as can be retained, and that a substantial number of new recruits will also be required.
§ Sir J. Lucasasked the Minister of Agriculture if it intended to give war gratuities to members of the W.L.A.
§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is the Government's intention to offer to the W.L.A. on demobilisation allowances, grants, gratuities and training facilities similar to those now made available to the women's auxiliary services.
Miss Wardasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) if he can make any statement on the resignation of Lady Denman, honorary director al the W.L.A.;
983W(2) whether he will reconsider the whole position of the W.L.A. in order to ensure their receiving fair treatment in the schemes and benefits which are available for the other uniformed services on demobilisation.
§ Mr. E. Granvilleasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that Lady Denman, the honorary director of the W.L.A., has resigned from that position as a result of his refusal to include the members of the W.L.A. in the Government's schemes of post-war gratuities for the Forces and capital grants for resettlement; and if he will now reconsider this and place the W.L.A. in an equal position on these matters with other members of the home Forces.
§ Mrs. Keirasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction felt by members of the W.L.A. in connection with the plans for their demobilisation as compared with other women's Services; and will he reconsider the whole position.
Mr. HudsonI regret that I am not in a position, for the time being, to amplify the statement which I made on Tuesday of this week.