§ 14. Mr. MURCHISONasked the President of the Board of Trade, whether the Government will undertake to cancel all pilotage certificates held by aliens before August, 1914, for navigating rivers or harbours in this country and not to grant any further such certificates to aliens?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI am unable to give such an undertaking, having regard to the provisions of Section 24 of the Pilotage Act, 1913, and to our international relations with friendly countries. The number of such certificates now in force is very small—namely, twenty-four out of a total of some 2,500.
§ Mr. MURCHISONIs the right, hon. Gentleman aware that a very strong feeling exists in the minds of the officers of the Mercantile Marine on this subject?
§ Sir A. GEDDESYes, I am well aware of that; but it is not possible to deal with these niceties as though they were of no account. We have entered into certain arrangements and agreements so far as they affect the men who already hold certificates, and they must be completed. But, as my hon. Friend doubtless knows, powers exist in regard to the issue of new certificates.
§ Mr. STEWARTArc these, powers being given now to alien pilots?
§ Sir A. GEDDESMy hon. Friend knows, under the last Pilotage Act, power is vested in the Board of Trade and the Admiralty in regard to the issue of any new certificates.