HC Deb 02 May 1902 vol 107 cc561-2
MR. WEIR

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that neither the first nor second mate of Mr. David M'Brayne's thirty-five-year-old paddle steamer "Lovedale" possesses the qualifying navigation certificate; and, seeing that the vessel now carries the mails between Stornoway, Kyle, and Mallaig, and that recently, during the illness of the master, she had to be navigated from Stornoway to Kyle by a visitor who happened to possess a master's certificate, will he take such steps as may be necessary to secure the employment of fully qualified officers on this steamer.

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

The declaration of the Board of Trade Surveyors, made in November last, shows that the master, mate, and engineer of the vessel to which the hon. Member refers hold certificates of competency, as required by Section 92 of the Merchant Shipping Act. If, in the absence of the regular master, another duly certificated master took charge of the vessel, that would not be contrary either to the Act or to any regulation of the Board of Trade.

MR. WEIR

Is it the fact that the first and second masters were incompetent to navigate the vessel?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

They are not bound to hold a master's certificate.

MR. WEIR

Will the right hon. Gentleman further inquire into this matter?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I had better have notice of any further Questions.