§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the petition of the ship surveyors of the Marine Department for an increase in the existing number of higher appointments in order to place them on an equality with the engineer and nautical surveyors; if considered, what number of extra higher appointments has been recommended by the Board of Trade for the ship surveyors; and, if not considered, at what date may a reply be expected to their petition?
Mr. ROBERTSONThe petition of the ship surveyors of the Marine Department to which my hon. Friend refers is receiving the careful consideration of the Board of Trade and the Treasury. No final decision has been arrived at, but the Board hope shortly to be able to send a reply to the petitioners.