§ MAJOR COATES (Lewisham)To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many pilots hold certificates from the Board of Trade who are of foreign origin and allegiance; and whether he will state their several nationalities, and whether any of them hold commissions from or are in any way at the disposal of their respective Governments.
§ (Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) The Board of Trade have no power to issue 1256 licences or certificates to pilots. They can, however, in certain circumstances, grant certificates to masters and mates enabling them to pilot their own vessels. There is one person of foreign origin and allegiance holding such a certificate granted by the Board. This officer is a Dutch subject and is master of a Dutch vessel. I cannot say whether he holds a commission from or is in any way at the disposal of the Dutch Government. The hon. Gentleman is, no doubt, aware that the Merchant Shipping Acts Amendment (No. 2) Bill contains a clause which will prevent the issue of fresh pilotage certificates to foreign subjects in the future.