§ 70. Mr. PETOasked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he has received representations from the Liverpool local marine board on the subject of the appointment of superintendents of mercantile marine offices, to the effect that the persons selected should in all cases have the advantage of practical nautical experience in responsible capacities at sea; and whether he intends to make a condition, in making any appointments to those posts, that the, persons appointed shall have had the necessary practical experience?
Mr. ROBERTSThe representations to which the hon. Gentleman refers have been received, and they will be fully considered when a vacancy occurs, but, as stated in the reply to him on 12th October last, the Board of Trade cannot bind themselves to give priority to any particular class of applicants in making these appointments in the public service.