§ 39. Mr. Fortasked the Minister of Labour whether exemption from military service will be granted to those working on the inland waterways of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. FortIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his reply is likely to cause concern to the nationalised British water services, who have recently been advertising for male clerks who are exempt from military service?
§ Mr. BevanThe hon. Member is, I think, under a misapprehension. No class of citizens is exempt. Some classes are deferred. We are now considering the broad classes of citizens who may be deferred in an emergency, but we shall not be able to give particular information because that will assist a potential enemy.