HC Deb 06 March 1941 vol 369 c1020
62. Mr. Thorne

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware that one of the causes of ships being held up is the shortage of certificated ships' engineers; and what action he intends taking about the matter?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping (Sir Arthur Salter)

With the approval of the engineer officers' societies, arrangements have been made to enable uncertificated engineers with considerable experience at sea, who are found satisfactory at an oral examination, to serve as second engineers when certificated men were not available. In addition, certificated engineers now employed ashore are, in suitable cases, being asked to return to the sea.