asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that miners from Irish coalfields are being recruited to the Defence Forces, and if, in view of the fact that the loss of one miner from an Irish coalfield involves the loss of 300 tons of coal a year, he will take such steps as may be open to him to prevent the further recruitment of miners to the Defence Forces.

I am aware that since September, 1946, four persons whose previous civilian occupation has been described as that of "miner" have enlisted in the Defence Forces.

I am not satisfied that it would be desirable or practicable for me to restrict the right of an individual, because he followed a particular occupation, to seek enlistment in the forces.