HC Deb 21 August 1916 vol 85 cc2272-3
78. Mr. HAY MORGAN

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any man of military age and fitness is liable to be treated as a deserter from the Army under the Military Service Act if he volunteers for and is accepted by the senior Service; and will he say by what means the recruitment for the Navy is now being maintained?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, provided, of course, the man has not been actually embodied in an Army unit. As regards the second part of the question, under the Military Service Act men are allowed to express their preference for Naval service, and the Admiralty have the first call on such men in case their services are needed.

Mr. CROOKS

Will the men be retained in their present employment until they are called up?

Dr. MACNAMARA

My right hon. Friend apparently refers to our system of deferred entry. We have such a system. I do not understand by whom men on that list have been discharged.

Mr. CROOKS

Is it on the authority of the Admiralty they are being discharged? I have had two such cases.

Dr. MACNAMARA

I am afraid I do not follow. If my right hon. Friend will give me the details I will go into it.