HC Deb 17 January 1902 vol 101 c176
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will so extend the reference to the Committee upon the Merchant Service as to include the question of how best to secure that men shipped as able seamen shall be proved to be qualified as such.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, Central

The interpretation of the terms of reference to the Committee is a matter for the Chairman; but I take it that the point to which the hon. Member alludes comes within the terms of reference to the Mercantile Marine Committee, in so far as rating is a question that bears upon the well-being of seamen.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

May I ask the right hon. Gentlemen whether, in view of the fact that there is a Scottish and an English Member of Parliament on this Committee, an Irish Member cannot also be put on?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I do not see how that arises out of the question.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

I will put it down for Monday.