§ 64. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any information regarding the cases of the captains of the steamers "Bengore Head" and "Bellona" who, though successful in their appeals in the High Court against the suspensions of their certificates at Canadian Courts of Inquiry, were compelled to themselves bear the costs of these appeals; whether in a similar case, that of the "Grecian," the costs were refunded by the Canadian Government; whether the Board of Trade have used their influence ina similar direction, as suggested by the Imperial Merchant Service Guild; and whether the matter is still engaging the consideration of the Board of Trade with a view to making provision that in cases of this sort which arise in future captains or officers whose appeals are successful will not be compelled to bear the costs of such appeals?
§ Mr. BURNSI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on the 31st July last by my predecessor. The Board of Trade, after careful consideration, came to the conclusion that they could not usefully take steps with the object of obtaining payment of the costs in question by the Canadian Government. As regards the last part of the question, I am advised that I have no power in the matter.