§ 34. General McCALMONTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the approximate percentage of the civilian coast watchers employed under the Admiralty who have never served in the Navy or Army or in the Mercantile Marine during the present War, giving separate figures for Ireland; and whether he will consider the advisability of replacing them by discharged men of all services who are fitted for work of this nature?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe percentage of civilian coast watchers employed under the Admiralty who have never served in the Navy, Army, or Mercantile Marine during the present War is as follows:
I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that engagement as civilian coast-watcher has never been regarded as a ground for exemption from military service, and the great majority of the men now employed in Great Britain are either over military age or totally unfit for military service. Preference in filling vacancies is always given to discharged sailors and soldiers.
Great Britain 89.7 Ireland 95.8
§ General McCALMONTDoes the last part of the right hon. Gentleman's reply apply to Ireland?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs regards giving preference to discharged soldiers?
§ General McCALMONTYes.
§ Dr. MACNAMARACertainly we give preference, where they are otherwise suitable, to discharged soldiers and sailors in Ireland.
§ General McCALMONTDoes the right hon. Gentleman intend to go on with civilians if he can replace them with discharged soldiers?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have said that in regard to the last part of the hon. and gallant Member's question I can say "Yes."