63. Mr. C. WASONasked the Secretary for Scotland if his attention has been called to the fact that fishermen have been withdrawn from the list of starred occupations, and that the compulsory enlistment of eligible men from the Isle of Skerries will entail the most serious results in the island, probably leading to the wholesale deportation of the population to the mainland; and if he will consider the facts that have been laid before him and make representations to the authorities?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Tennant)Fishermen with certain exceptions have been withdrawn from the list of certified occupations. I have received a representation as to the circumstances of the islands of Skerries, which will be considered by the Fishery Board in connection with the calling up of any of the men who are enrolled in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Section Y. If men from the islands do not so enrol it will be for the tribunals to decide whether or not they should be exempted from military service.