§ Mr. SHEPHERDasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India have yet reached a decision on the subject of the training of engineer officers, as recommended by the Report of the Indian Mercantile Marine Committee; and whether any steps have been taken for the development of shipbuildiing in India?
§ Earl WINTERTONWhen Captain Sayer visited India to advise on the establishment of a training ship, the Government of India asked him also to advise on the proposals of the Mercantile Marine Committee for the training of engineer officers. Captain Sayer's advice was that, provided adequate training in workshops and shipbuilding yards for large vessels were obtainable in India, there was no reason why the scheme should not be carried through. The Government of India have recently stated that they expect to reach a decision on the matter in the near future. As regards the development of shipbuilding, my Noble Friend has not received any report from India.