§ *SIR CHARLES DILKEI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether it is intended to act upon the Report of the Mercantile Marine Committee, appointed in January, 1902, published at the beginning of June; and whether the seven recommendations to which effect can be given without legislation will at once be carried into effect.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, CentralYes, Sir. The Board of Trade concur in the recommendations of the Mercantile Marine Committee, and propose to act upon them. So far as that can be done without legislation, steps are already being taken by the Department. I may add that a Bill dealing with the recommendation, requiring legislation has also been prepared.