§ 90. Col. Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether he will state the number of special commissions which have been given to men of military age for the purpose of training as shipyard engineers for the national shipyards; if he is aware that there are a large number of discharged officers, non-commissioned officers, and men who have high technical qualifications and who could fill such vacancies; and whether he can undertake that preference will be given to such officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, so that all medically fit men of military age may be free for active service with His Majesty's Forces?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. No special commissions such as those referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend have so far been granted. Special commissions for this purpose will not be granted until the men have passed a probationary period and are ready for drafting to the national yards. Up to date twenty such probationers have reported, and out of this number six only are officers, the remainder being civilians. None of the officers are fit for general service, and preference is always given to officers at present unfit for general service, dischargd officers, non-commissioned officers, and men. The suggestion contained in my hon. and gallant Friend's question has, as he will observe, not been, and will not be, lost sight of.