§ 56. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to a memorial signed by thirty leading ophthalmologists who are of opinion that the sight tests of the Board of Trade are not satisfactory; and, if so, whether he will now reconsider the whole question of these tests?
Mr. ROBERTSONMy attention has been drawn to a statement published in a medical journal to which the hon. Member presumably refers. Careful consideration will be given to these and any other criticisms, but as at present advised, I do not think that they disclose any sufficient ground for reopening the question of the tests.
§ 58. Mr. PETOasked whether, in respect to officers holding certificates who have been requested by the Board of Trade voluntarily to surrender their certificates through failing to pass the Board of Trade tests in either colour or form vision, the Board of Trade are contemplating taking further action in this matter; and, if so, in what way?
Mr. ROBERTSONIf any of the officers to whom the hon. Member refers are unwilling to surrender their certificates the 780 Board of Trade will have no alternative but to order in due course inquiries, under the provisions of Section 471 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, into their competency to hold the certificates.