§ 64. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as regards the proportion of aliens serving on British merchant ships, he has considered the value of the fishing industry as a recruiting ground for British seamen; and whether he will consider the desirability of amending Section 126 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, with a view to removing the disability whereby fishermen are compelled to put in twelve months' service in a trading vessel before being legally qualified to sign ships' articles as able seamen?
§ Mr. BURNSThe suggestion in the hon. Member's question has been under consideration by the Board of Trade, and it will be borne in mind when a favourable opportunity arises for an amendment of the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Acts in regard to the qualifications for the rating of A.B.