§ 54. Mr. PETOasked the Minister of Natonal Service whether the case of the staffs of water companies has been considered in connection with the cancellation of exemptions under the first Military Service Act, 1918; and whether it is anticipated that there will be any further depletion of the staffs of these companies, which are already depleted to the utmost extent compatible with the con- 1094 tinuation of the supply of water in provincial areas, including many considerable munition centres?
§ Mr. BECKThe importance of the staffs of water companies is fully recognised, and nothing will be done to imperil our water supplies. It is not anticipated that the recent Proclamation with regard to men under twenty-three years of age will affect waterworks to any appreciable-extent.