§ 64. Mr. PETOasked whether it is proposed to introduce during the present Session any Bill to modify the provisions of Section 1 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, so as to prevent vessels officered and manned exclusively by foreigners, as in the cases of the steamships "Indra" and "Tasso," flying the British flag?
Mr. ROBERTSONMy right hon. Friend cannot undertake to introduce in the present Session a Bill to modify the provisions of Section 1 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894.
§ 65. Mr. PETOasked whether the right hon. Gentleman intends to introduce a Bill this Session on the lines of the Merchant Shipping (Certificates) Bill of last Session; and whether he will consider the advisability of making provision in such Bill that all steam vessels of over 1,000 tons burden shall carry three certificated mates, as provided by the Navigation Acts recently passed by the Legislatures of the United States and Australian?
Mr. ROBERTSONMy right hon. Friend hopes to reintroduce shortly the Merchant Shipping (Certificates) Bill, introduced last Session. As the hon. Member is aware, the question of legislation increasing the minimum number of certificated officers on board steam vessels is now being considered by the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee. I have, however, considerable doubt if it would be desirable to complicate the Bill, which has already been twice introduced, and possibly retard its passage, by adding new provisions outside its present scope.