§ Mr. J. CUMMING MACDONA (Southwark, Rotherhithe)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether, in view of the courage and judgment recently exhibited by Captain Sharp, in charge of the s.s. Seaford, when in collision with the French s.s. Lyon, he can, on behalf of the Board of Trade, give some special recognition, by issuing a gold medal as a "Mercantile Marine Medal," to be awarded to marine officers who distinguish themselves on special emergencies, such as in the case of Captain Sharp?
§ MR. RITCHIEAs an Official Inquiry has been ordered into the circumstances of the collision to which the hon. Member refers, it would, I think, be premature for me to consider the grant of any reward in connection with the case until after the result of that Inquiry is known. I may say, however, that, although Captain Sharp's conduct after the collision was highly praiseworthy, as undoubtedly was the conduct of the crew, and especially of the men who, at great risk to themselves, closed the bulk head doors of the Seaford, the case is not quite of the class for which rewards are usually given.