§ 92. Brigadier-General Sir OWEN THOMASasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will in future consider the claims of captains and other officers of the Mercantile Marine who have had war service and have knowledge of local navigation in the appointment of harbour masters for seaports such as Holy head and others which are not strictly naval ports?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThere are only two harbours at which the appointment of the harbour master is in the hands of the Board of Trade, namely, Rams gate and Holy head. At both of these places vacancies have recently been filled, in the one case by the appointment of a retired commander of the Royal Navy who had rendered war service, and in the other case by the appointment of a retired master mariner.
§ Sir O. THOMASMay I ask whether applications were received from officers of the Mercantile Marine for the appointments; and whether the great services these men have rendered during the War is not a qualification for such posts?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI could not quite hear the question of my hon. and gallant 2216 Friend but I have stated in the answer that one of these appointments was filled by a retired master mariner.
§ Sir O. THOMASNot a naval officer?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANNo. But if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down another question or come and talk the matter over with me I will tell him all I can.
§ Sir O. THOMASThank you very much.