asked the Minister for Defence if amending legislation is required to assign women personnel to the Naval Service and, if not, the reason women personnel have not been so assigned and if he will outline his policy on the matter.

The current legislation permits the enlistment of women into all branches of the Defence Forces. Provision has been made for the employment of members of the Women's Service Corps in a wide range of appointments throughout the Permanent Defence Force including the Naval Service. Female personnel will be assigned to these appointments according as the build up of numbers permits.

The number and range of appointments open to women will be kept under review.

It is very desirable that women enter the Naval Service and we welcome that. Could the Minister tell us how many women personnel he envisages will be part of the Women's corps in the Navy?

May I ask the Minister further, arising from his reply, if the women are so assigned to the Navy. what duties have they been assigned to within the Naval Service?

This will arise when the recruitment takes place. The number of appointments has been reserved. The initial establishment for the Women's Service Corps provides for the filling by women personnel of a total of eight appointments with the Naval Service. Details of these appointments are one lieutenant—Catering Officer, Naval Base, Haulbowline—two petty officers attached to headquarters; and five seamen who will consist of telegraphers and drivers.

The Minister will have to change the word "seamen".

Does the Minister envisage bringing only eight women into the Naval Service? That is ludicrous. We should be talking about 300 or 400.

For the moment.

That is laughable.

Why is it laughable?

We should have a proper Women's Naval Corps.

We have not started to recruit yet.

That is laughable.

Questions Nos. 16 to 22, inclusive, have been postponed.