§ 34. Mr. Woodburnasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is in accordance with Admiralty instructions that naval pensioners of over 50 years of age, mobilised since the outbreak of war, are exempt from service on sea-going vessels unless they are medically fit and volunteer for such service?
§ The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Churchill)It has been necessary to employ men of certain branches at sea, up to the age of 55, whether they are volunteers or not. All men are medically examined before being drafted to sea to ensure that they are fit for sea service. As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary has previously stated, as and when the supply of trained younger men is sufficient to meet all Fleet requirements, the older men will be relieved, and this process is already going on.