§ MR. CHARLES M'ARTHUR () Liverpool, ExchangeI beg to ask the Presi- 1443 dent of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that the scheme to encourage the entrance of British boys into the Mercantile Marine and Royal Naval Reserve by the offer of a partial rebate of light dues to shipowners carrying such hoys has failed to meet with a satisfactory response, he would appoint a Departmental or other Committee to consider, in consultation with shipowners and others concerned, the best mode of applying the sum which the Government is willing to grant in furtherance of these national objects.
§ MR. RITCHIEThe scheme has only been in operation a short time, and until it has had a longer trial it is not possible to form any opinion as to its ultimate result. As the advantages of the scheme become more generally known I trust that more boys will be employed. The Act provides for the continuance of the scheme until 31st March, 1905, and it would be premature at present to interfere in any way with its operation.