17. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHasked the President of the Board of Trade who are his professional advisers in matters affecting the examination of, and granting of certificates to, officers of the Mercantile Marine; and when were these gentlemen last at sea in command of, or as officers in, merchant ships?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe professional advisers referred to are the professional member of the Marine Department, the principal examiner of masters and mates, and his deputy. They were in command of merchant ships at sea until 1891, 1887, and 1903 respectively, and have been engaged in administrative work in connection with the Mercantile Marine since they gave up command at sea.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider calling into counsel the very experienced officers of the council of the marine officers' associations?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI shall be pleased to take the suggestion of the hon. Gentleman into consideration.