§ 59. Mr. PERKINSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the remarks made at a large number of Courts of Inquiry respecting the navigation of vessels by uncertificated officers; and whether any steps have been taken or are proposed to be taken by the Board for the better protection of life and property at sea, requiring that in all future engagements both masters and men who are responsible for navigation should be certificated?
Mr. ROBERTSONA Return of such cases as are referred to by the hon. Member, covering the period 1st July, 1896, to 30th June, 1911, was prepared some time ago by the Board of Trade. I am sending the hon. Member a copy. From the Return it will be seen that some of the cases referred to therein are covered by the extension, on 1st July, 1910, of the requirements as to certificated officers to steam line and drift net fishing boats. The question of requiring certificated officers on home trade cargo vessels is to be dealt with in a Bill which my right hon. Friend hopes to introduce shortly.