§ 12. Miss HORSBRUGHasked the President of the Board of Trade if the projected closing of centres for the examination for masters', mates', and second mates' certificates at Dundee, Leith, and Aberdeen is solely for reasons 166 of economy; and will he state on what items of expenditure he anticipates that savings will be made?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe decision to close the examination centres mentioned in the question is part of a general scheme for concentrating examinations at the larger ports, in the interest of efficiency as well as economy. There will be savings on salaries, travelling and premises.
§ Miss HORSBRUGHDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it is an undue hardship that all candidates from the North and East of Scotland should have to spend three or four days in Glasgow over these examinations?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am not a citizen of Glasgow, and I do not feel that I am qualified to express an opinion about it.
§ Miss HORSBRUGHBut does it not involve candidates from the North and East of Scotland in undue expense if they have to spend three or four days in Glasgow in connection with the oral examination, when suitable centres in Dundee, Aberdeen and Leith would he provided for the Board free of charge?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid that if we were to retain all those places as examination centres we should be throwing a charge upon the taxpayers which would not he justified at the present time. There will be a considerable saving by concentrating this examination.
§ Mr. DINGLE FOOTWould it not be possible to keep at least one centre on the East of Scotland?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI do not know which would be the centre to select. Perhaps my hon. Friends would prefer Dundee. I am quite prepared to consider the merits of Dundee, but my prejudice at present is in favour of Glasgow.