§ 10. Colonel McCALMONTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that only 3 per cent. of the coast watchers in Ireland have ever served either in the forces of the Crown or in the Mercantile Marine during the present War, he will state how many of these men are of military age; whether he is aware that many ex-Service men are qualified and anxious for such work; and whether immediate steps will be taken to ensure that they are not kept out of employment by men who have never served although eligible?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe total number of civilian coast watchers employed in Ireland at the present time is 438, and out of this number 252 are of military age. My hon. and gallant Friend should observe, however, that out of this 252, 159 are between the ages of forty-one and fifty-two, having been engaged at the time when the maximum age for compulsory military service was forty-one. As regards the second part of the question, the total number of ex-Service men who have applied for engagement as civilian coast watchers in Ireland is twenty-eight, and of this number seventeen have been engaged. Wherever we can we would desire to give preference to ex-Service men, all other things being equal.
§ Colonel McCALMONTMay we take it that when it comes to a question of permanent 2656 coast-watchers and coastguards, no fresh men will be taken on who have not served in the forces of the Crown?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI cannot say that, but preference will certainly be given, other things being equal, to ex-Service men.