§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Supply what steps are taken to get chemists released from the armed Forces when he requires their services; and how many have been so released?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to analytical and research chemists, and not to pharmaceutical chemists. Applications from Ministry of Supply establishments and contractors for the release of such chemists are considered on their merits and, where the circumstances warrant it, recommendations for release are submitted to the Service Department concerned. The number of such recommendations for release has not been large, but I could not give an exact figure without the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of time and labour in examining records. My hon. Friend will be aware that these occupations are reserved at the age of 21.