HC Deb 14 March 1907 vol 171 cc206-7
SIR HOWARD VINCENT

To ask the Secretary of State for War if, having regard to the importance of the Territorial and Reserve Forces Bill, he can postpone the Second Reading to the third week in April, instead of taking it directly after the recess.

(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) A long period has already been given between the First and Second Reading for considering the Bill, and I do not think it would be convenient to extend it.

Training Seamen for Foreign Mercantile Marines.

MR. L. HASLAM (Monmouth Boroughs)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Governments of the United States or of Germany provide, out of public funds, steam or sailing ships for the training on voyage of officers and seamen for the merchant service.

(Answered by Secretary Sir Edward Grey.) I understand that in Germany no ships are provided out of the public funds for the purposes mentioned. I believe that three training ships have been maintained by the United States Government for the last few years, namely, one each at New York, Boston, and Philadelphia.