§ 31. Brigadier Petoasked the Minister of Transport whether he will give the number of shipwrecks, including total losses, but excluding losses due to mines, for the years 1945, 1946, 1947; and whether he is satisfied that seamanship is sufficiently stressed both in the examination for certificates of competency and before seamen are granted certificates of discharge as able seamen.
§ Mr. BarnesYes, Sir, I am circulating in HANSARD particulars of casualties to ships in the years in question. I am fully satisfied with the scope and efficiency of the examinations for certificates of competency and for efficient deck hands. The requirements are kept constantly under review.
§ Brigadies PetoTo what part of my Question did the right hon. Gentleman answer "Yes"?
§ Mr. BarnesI am giving the number of shipwrecks and I will circulate the de tails in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following are the particulars:
§ Mr. BarnesI hope to receive an interim report from the working party towards the end of this month. In the meantime, additional shed space is being provided as a reception depot and other remedial measures are under urgent examination by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board.
Mr. DaviesIs this not a question of having adequate labour to deal with motors when they arrive as well as space?
§ Mr. BarnesI will certainly take notice of that.
§ Mr. MarplesWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the difficulty of getting labour to the docks on Merseyside, and the shortage of tramcars which is due to a recent fire on Merseyside?
§ Mr. KeenanHas the Minister asked anyone with local experience to go into this very important matter?
§ Mr. BarnesI shall be glad to receive the views of my hon. Friend if he sends them to me.