§ Mr. DONNELLYasked the Minister of National Service whether he is aware that a number of men of military age resident in Ireland, who are shippers and dealers in live stock, fish, etc., trading between Ireland and Great Britain, are obliged to come constantly in the course of their business to Great Britain; and whether he can say that these persons while in Great Britain and holding permits to return to Ireland will not be called up for military service?
§ Sir A GEDDESAs the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the Military Service Acts apply to every male British subject of military age who has at any time since the 14th August, 1915, been or who for the time being is in Great Britain. While it is not proposed to enforce the Military obligations of Irishmen of military age who only visit Great Britain temporarily on urgent business or private affairs, it is considered that Irishmen who visit Great Britain regularly for the purpose of carrying on business are in a different position, and it is proposed that they should be called up for military service unless they obtain exemption from the 1379W tribunals. In view of the importance of their work in connection with food supply special administrative arrangements are being made to protect from recruitment Irish cattle dealers who visit Great Britain for the purpose of attending the cattle markets.