asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has considered the case of nine Lowestoft skippers who, when required, volunteered immediately for patrol service, sacrificing their civil employment, and who, after rendering excellent service for about three months, to the satisfaction of the officers of the Royal Navy concerned, have not been re-engaged, and are now without employment; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I am making a special investigation into the cases which my hon. Friend has sent to me and I will shortly communicate to him the result of these inquiries.

If I put down a Question next week does the Parliamentary Secre- tary anticipate that he will be in a position to give a definite answer?

I hope so.