HC Deb 28 June 1955 vol 543 cc15-6W
76. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Labour why mercantile seamen are exempt from National Service; and if he will withdraw this exemption.

Mr. Watkinson

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. My right hon. end learned Friend has no power to exempt merchant seamen from National Service. Men employed as merchant seamen, if registered with the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen, may have their call-up deferred so long as they remain satisfactorily employed in that occupation. This procedure has been endorsed by successive Governments since the war. The reason for it is the vital importance of maintaining a body of trained men capable of manning merchant ships both in peace and war. This purpose would not be served by calling them up for National Service, so long as they remain in the Merchant Service.

77. Mr. V. Yates

asked the Minister of Labour how many seamen engaged in an industrial dispute have been served with calling-up notices; on what date the notices expire; what effect this action will have upon the total manpower of the Merchant Navy; and whether he will delay the call-up notices pending an inquiry into the matter.

Mr. Watkinson

The answer to the first part of the Question is "None." The rest of the hon. Member's Question does not therefore arise.