§ Sir T. Cookasked the Minister of Labour whether crews of lifeboats, who may become liable for military or naval service, are considered for exemption upon application being made by local branches of the National Lifeboat Institution?
§ Mr. E. BrownWhole-time lifeboatmen aged 18 or over are reserved from service in His Majesty's Forces by the Schedule of Reserved Occupations. Many part-time lifeboatmen are, no doubt, fishermen and as such are reserved, except for service in the Patrol Service of the Navy. If it were desired to apply for the temporary deferment of the calling-up of any part-time lifeboatmen who are not reserved under the schedule by reason of their main occupation, the proper course would 979W be for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution to make application to the Ministry of Shipping. I am assured that any such applications, which should be made as soon as possible after the men concerned have registered under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, would receive careful consideration.