§ 30. Commander BELLAIRSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to prevent anxiety in the mercantile marine as to the effect of the new Bill, if passed, he will ascertain and state that the War Office Circular, 5th March, 1916, issued by the Army Council, will continue in full force so that officers and seamen of the mercantile marine will not be called up for military service?
Mr. RUNCIMANOfficers and seamen of the Mercantile Marine (except stewards on passenger vessels) are entitled to exemption from military service, and the passage of the Bill will make no difference in their position.