§ 20. Mr. PETOasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to cases in the Liverpool Police Court where sentences up to six months' hard labour have been imposed upon men for deserting or failing to join transports chartered by the Admiralty; and whether, in view of the loss of man-power involved in this method of dealing with such cases, he will consult with the military authorities with a view to such men being enlisted in the Army?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThere have been such sentences as those indicated in the first part of my hon. Friend's question. I have no doubt that their deterrent effect is considerable and, I should say, adequately compensates for the immediate loss of labour which is involved.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs I have said, I consider the deterrent effect of the sentences will compensate for the immediate loss of labour involved.