68. Colonel COLLINSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in drafting their regulations in regard to the demobilisation of sailors, the Admiralty will grant sailors of long service priority in discharge?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)When the time comes we shall certainly do our best to release first those officers and men who, having joined for hostilities, have served longest. We shall also do our best to give early release to time-expired active service ratings and other men with longest war service. My hon. and gallant Friend will, of course, understand that these undertakings are subject to the exigencies of the Service.
§ Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYWill the Admiralty at the earliest possible moment release fishermen who have been withdrawn from their own means of livelihood for the purpose of serving the Navy?
§ Dr. MACNAMARACertainly, as soon as we can; on the same ground as the others—length of service.