MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the rules to be issued by the Admiralty with regard to the obligations and service of boys enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve, mentioned in the new clause proposed by him in the Merchant Shipping (Mercantile Marine Fund) Bill, are rules at present in force or new rules; and, if the latter, whether he will state what those rules are to be, or will lay a copy of them upon the Table of the House before the discussion of the new clause?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADEI have consulted the First Lord of the Admiralty respecting this Question, and am informed that some new rules on points of detail are under the consideration of the Admiralty, but cannot be stated at present.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESWill the right honourable Gentleman postpone the consideration of the clause until the rules are issued?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADENo, Sir. I propose to take the Bill to-morrow. I hope the House will assent to the clause. The new rules are under consideration, and I hope tomorrow to be in a position to give a general outline. When they are ready I will place them on the Paper.