§ 32. Mr. C. DUNCANasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that seamen, ship stewards, and other members of crews are not being allowed to sign on for vessels unless and until they have attested; whether he is aware that these men have been officially informed that the efficient maintenance of the mercantile marine is of vital national interest, and that the men will be doing as good service for their country by continuing to man British ships as by joining the Army; and whether this policy to compel attestation has the sanction of the War Office?
§ Mr. TENNANTIt is, of course, undesirable that men not hitherto engaged in these occupations should take them up with a view to evading the Army service for which they would otherwise be liable. With this end in view the Board of Trade have agreed that no first voyage shall be entered on without previous attestation, except in the case of boys, apprentices, or engineers. The matter is not quite complete, but negotiations are proceeding on these lines.