§ 31. Mr. PETOasked the Under-Secretary for War if a decision has now been arrived at as to the administrative means to be adopted to give effect to the exemption of officers and men in the mercantile marine from the operation of the Military Service Act, 1916; and, if so, what steps he is taking to make them known?
§ Mr. TENNANTInstructions have been given that officers and seamen of the mercantile marine, whether attested or not, are not to be called up for service, and should not be acepted for direct enlistment even if they offer themselves. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the instructions, which are too long to read out now.
§ Mr. PETOMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman what steps he has taken to make these regulations generally known?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe instructions have been issued to recruiting officers.