asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what facilities for naval training exist for young men from the counties of Orkney and Shetland and the fishing towns and villages in the North-East of Scotland who express a desire to receive training in the Navy rather than in the Militia?

Young fishermen between the ages of 20 and 21 who have registered in accordance with the Military Training Act and have expressed a preference for Naval training are being enrolled in the Royal Naval Special Reserve and arrangements have been made for their training in that Reserve. The Admiralty hopes that all young fishermen will take advantage of this opportunity of fitting themselves for the service in which owing to their peace time avocation they can be of most use to their country in an emergency.

Mr. Davidson:

Does the Minister welcome this new interest of the hon. and gallant Member in young fishermen?

Mr. Alexander:

Where will these fishermen be taken for training?

To camps and then Port Edgar.

Mr. Alexander:

Will the Government pay their fares?

Yes.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at one time between 1,200 and 1,500 men did training at Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, and why not make it possible for them to do training there rather than send them from the remote Islands to Portsmouth?

The method of training has changed since pre-War times.

In view of the importance of this matter, will my hon. Friend consider issuing a considered statement for the benefit of fishermen who want to know the details?

I think that is worth considering as soon as we can make a full statement.

How long will these Militiamen in the Navy have to serve in the Naval Reserve?

Four years, with six months continuous training.