41. Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will consider whether the time has arrived when the captains and officers of merchantmen employed on transport service should have temporary Royal Naval Reserve commission conferred on them, not only for the purpose of defence, but also to enable them to deal effectively with insubordination among the crew, especially considering the percentage of aliens among them?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe question has already been fully considered by the Admiralty, but I am advised that the grant of commissions would not effect the object in view.
Mr. CATHCART WASONIf the right hon. Gentleman is unable to accept the suggestion in the question, will he give the officers referred to a badge to show that they are employed in His Majesty's service?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI will consider that, but as the crews are not under the Naval Discipline Act, my hon. Friend will realise that it would not attain the object which he suggests on the Paper.