§ 14. Mr. HOLTasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in pursuance of the rule that secret instructions will only be given to masters of merchant ships whose parents were British subjects at the time of their birth, Captain John Stenhoff has been compelled to relinquish the command of the "Mitcham," belonging to the Wandsworth, Wimbledon, and Epsom District Gas Company; whether he is aware that Captain Stenhoff's father was a Swede, who came to this country at the age of sixteen and sailed in a British 1275 steamer until his death, being master for the last thirty years of his life, that Captain Stenhoff's mother was a natural-born British subject born at South Shields, and that Captain Stenhoff was born at Jarrow; whether there is any complaint against Captain Stenhoff's conduct; and, if not, whether the Admiralty will reconsider their decision in this case?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe case of Captain John Stenhoff, late of ss. "Mitcham," who is the holder of an United Kingdom home trade certificate only, appears to be in accord with the facts as stated. In view of his parentage he is not qualified under the ruling to receive confidential instructions. It is understood that he is now pursuing his calling of the sea in the capacity of chief officer.