HC Deb 13 February 1908 vol 184 cc205-6
MAJOR ANSTRUTHER - GRAY

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether instructions have been given to oblige Scottish candidates for master and mates first-aid certificates to qualify through St. Andrew's Ambulance instead of St. John; whether he is aware that the yearly St. Andrew's course consists of 144 lectures, while that of St. John is only 52; and that the St. Andrew's Ambulance course is, therefore, more expensive in time and money than that of St. John; will he say whether the St. John Ambulance classes, hitherto conducted on the East Coast of Scotland, have proved satisfactory; and if so, why a system involving more time trouble, and expense is enforced in Scotland, and an easier system deemed sufficient for English candidates.

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. KEARLEY,) Devonport

Before granting a certificate for master or mate, we require a man to have a knowledge of first-aid to the injured. This he can acquire through attending a course under either of the societies mentioned in the Question. We have been in communication with the two Societies, and as the St. John Ambulance Association inform us that they have centres at one or two Scottish ports only, we have arranged with the St. Andrew's Society that courses should be available at all the chief ports in Scotland. If the suggestion in the Question is that the Board impose attendance at one Society's course rather than the other the hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension.

MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Is the St. John Ambulance course now giving place to the St. Andrew's course to the serious inconvenience of candidates? Is the St. John abolished in Scotland?

MR. KEARLEY

Not at all—where it exists.