§ 24. Mr. PALINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that, owing to the conditions laid down by the Government of India for candidates for training in the Government training ship "Bombay" as apprentices, the number of applicants has been reduced from approximately 600 to 60; whether any protests with regard to this matter have been received from the Indian chambers of commerce; and whether legislation is contemplated on the lines recommended by the Indian Mercantile Marine Committee?
§ Earl WINTERTONMy Noble Friend has no information regarding the matter dealt with in the first part of the question, and has received no protests from Indian chambers of commerce. The Government of India are opposed to the re-commendation of the Mercantile Marine Committee regarding the reservation of 1390 the Indian coasting trade, and so far as my Noble Friend is aware have not found any need for legislation in regard to the other recommendations of the Committee which they accept.