§ 50. Mr. Beechmanasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the retention of young men in the Cornish fishing industry is vital to our marine security; and whether he will consider giving priority of selection to fishermen who wish to serve their time in the R.N
§ 51. Mr. Douglas Marshallasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the vital need to increase the intake into the Cornish fishing industry in the interests of naval efficiency; and if he will consider issuing instructions to the effect that all inshore fishermen called up for service will be specially considered for service in the R.N
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)I am fully aware of the importance of maintaining an adequate fishing fleet. Most fishermen available for call-up express a preference for the Royal Navy and are accordingly interviewed, after medical examination, by a Navy interviewing officer. Those accepted for entry into the Navy are called up for that Service.
Mr. BeeehmanAs the Ministry of Labour refused again and again to arrange a call-up for the Navy for a fisherman, an engineman with special qualifications, who, happily, was sent by the Army into the Navy, can the Minister state exactly what are the qualifications for a call-up into the Navy?
§ Mr. IsaacsI am not aware of the incident to which my hon Friend refers, but if he will let me have details of it I will look at it. I cannot say more than that when a man is medically qualified to go into the Navy he is sent into the Navy.