§ 37. Mr. Edward Heathasked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that the supply of qualified radio officers for the British merchant service is increased in order to meet the present shortage.
§ Mr. BarnesThis is primarily a matter for the shipping industry, but I understand that while there is a tendency for radio officers, after some years at sea, to settle down in employment ashore, there has been no shortage of new entrants. The recent National Maritime Board agreements are designed to encourage officers in all departments in the Merchant Navy to make the sea their permanent career.