§ Mr. STEWARTasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will inquire from Messrs. Whimster and Company, 30, Renfield Street, Glasgow, if it is their intention to dismiss the master of their steamer "Neto," who is a British subject, and appoint in his place an alien shipmaster; and if it is possible in wartime for British-owned vessels to be commanded and officered by alien seamen, notwithstanding the fact that there are numbers of masters and officers of British nationality who are seeking employment?
§ Mr. WARDLEI will send a copy of the hon. Member's question to the owners of the ship, and ask them for their observations. A neutral who has the necessary qualifications can be employed as a master or officer of a British ship, but each case in which it was proposed to employ a foreigner as master during the War would be examined and dealt with on its merits.