HC Deb 05 July 1967 vol 749 cc249-50W
78. Mr. Victor Yates

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is aware of the dissatisfaction among women stewardesses at Women's Royal Air Force Station, Stanmore Park, who are expected to do domestic chores for the wives of officers, which are duties not included in the literature advertising the service; and if he will take steps to prevent such misemployment of stewards.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

No. I am aware of only one stewardess who appears to be dissatisfied with her duties at this station. No misemployment is taking place. Personal service for officers living in married quarters is limited to those duties which would properly be performed for officers living in mess. No steward or stewardess is required to do more, and such service does not extend to officers' families. All stewardesses at Royal Air Force Stanmore Park were advised very clearly, as recently as March, of their official duties. These are set out in the R.A.F. trade publication; they are contained in the form of notes for guidance issued to the occupants of every married quarter at Stanmore Park; and they are exhibited in the Stewards' Control Office at Stanmore Park for all stewardesses to see.

Additional work may only be undertaken voluntarily with suitable recompense and I understand this was the position in the case referred to by the hon. Member.

87. Mr. Roebuck

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many airwomen stewardesses are employed at Royal Air Force, Stanmore Park; and how many of these have indicated that they prefer work in married quarters to other duties.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

There are 25 stewardesses at Royal Air Force Stan-more Park; 18 are employed in public married quarters. All of these 18 have expressed a preference to stay in married quarters.