W.L.A. (Period of Service)

HC Deb 06 May 1946 vol 422 cc44-5W

68. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider allowing experienced girls who have been released under the Group schemes to sign on for a period of one year instead of two years in the W.L.A.

Mr. T. Williams:

I have no evidence to suggest that girls who have been released from the W.L.A. under the official release scheme have been deterred from rejoining by the fact that the minimum period of service is two years. If my hon. Friend has such evidence I shall be glad to consider it.

Major J. Morrison

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, to encourage recruiting to the W.L.A. for women coming out of the Forces, he will alter the time of service signed for from two years to one year's minimum service.

Mr. T. Williams:

An unduly short period of service in the W.L.A. necessarily reduces the value of the recruit to agriculture, and at present I do not feel justified in altering the requirement to serve for two years.