§ Mr. LYNCHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state how many officers of the mercantile marine who had previously passed the Board of Trade tests have failed in the tests of colour vision introduced on 1st April; and how many men have passed the wool test and failed with the lantern test, and vice versa?
Mr. ROBERTSONThe following are the statistics desired as to failures of certificated officers to pass the new colour vision tests during the two completed months—April and May—that they have been in operation. The total number of officers in possession of certificates of competency who were examined in the above tests during the period 1st April-31st May is 409. Failed in lantern test only: Six certificated officers failed in both local and special examinations; two failed in local examinations, but special examinations have not yet been held. Failed in wool test only: None. Failed in both lantern and wool tests: Three certificated officers failed in both local and special examinations; one has failed in the local examination, but has not yet been specially examined. Thus nine certificated officers have failed to pass the new tests; and three having failed at local examinations are awaiting special examinations before a final decision is given.