§ Mr. Rogersasked the Minister of Transport whether the National Maritime Board's scheme for continuity of employment of Merchant Navy officers and men will be operative as from 1st January, 1947.
§ Mr. BarnesThe National Maritime Board have made considerable progress towards the conclusion of an agreement covering the position of Merchant Navy officers and men for periods between voyages, and in order to facilitate the change-over from the Government scheme to an industrial scheme, they have asked the Government to continue the financing of the Merchant Navy Reserve Pool until 31st March, 1947, on the understanding that if by 31st January, 1947, the Board has not completed a Continuous Employment Scheme for operation on 1st April, this additional financing will end on 31st January. I must emphasise that the preparation of this industrial scheme is a matter for the industry, acting through the National Maritime Board. The Government have acceded to the Board's request in the expectation that the scheme will be completed in the next few weeks.