§ Mr. Callaghanasked the Minister of War Transport if he will state the programme of releases for men in the Merchant Navy.
§ Mr. BarnesThe majority of officers and men in the Merchant Navy are following their normal occupation, and no question of a general release programme in the sense of "demobilisation"arises. For those who desire to be released, however, arrangements have been made for releases to follow broadly the lines of the Services. The groups in which officers and men in the various ranks and ratings are at present eligible for release as they arrive in this country were announced on 21st September last. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the announcement. Extensions of these groups will be approved as the manpower position in the Merchant Navy permits.