§ 11. Mr. KINGasked the Minister of National Service whether he is aware that there are over 800 British subjects of military age in Japan, that many firms continue their businesses there with male staffs unreduced in numbers, and that the Consular authorities have freely given certificates of exemption, especially on grounds of indispensability; and whether, in view of the expressed anxiety of these men to serve in the War, he can arrange for discharged and unfit men and women to proceed to Japan and take the places of these men, who will then join our fighting forces?
§ Mr. BECKI am not in possession of information as to the number of British subjects of military age in Japan or of the number of exemptions granted by His Majesty's Consuls. British subjects of military age resident in Jap an were invited to register their names as available for military service, and those who registered their names are now being called upon to return to Europe, but it is only proposed to bring from Japan British subjects who are fit for active military service. Inquiry is being made into the general position of British subjects in Japan in relation to military service, but the suggestion in the latter part of this question is not considered practicable.