§ 63. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Transport how many men sat in 1949 for their master's or mate's certificate under the Merchant Shipping Act; how many were successful; and if he is satisfied with the standard set in this examination.
§ Mr. BarnesTwo thousand five hundred and fifty-eight men sat for a master's or mate's certificate in 1949 and 1,925 certificates were issued in that year. I am fully satisfied with the standard set in the examinations.
§ Mr. AwberyIn view of the fact that these men go through an intensive course of training before they sit for this examination, and that 25 per cent. of them fail after this course, would my right hon. Friend consider whether the standard is too high for this examination?
§ Mr. BarnesThe syllabus is agreed with both sides of the industry, and I am not aware of any representations that express the dissatisfaction to which my hon. Friend has just referred.