§ Mr. HANNONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the issue by the Government of Hong Kong of a notice that Chinese nationals will be permitted to sit at the Board of Trade examinations for masters, first mates, and chief engineers on the same conditions as those which apply to British subjects; if such notice has received the approval of His Majesty's Government; and whether, in view of the fact that the issue of Board of Trade certificates of competency to aliens is prohibited in this country and throughout the British Empire, he will state why a special concession is being made to Chinese nationals which may have injurious effects upon the employment of British mercantile marine officers?
§ Dr. SHIELSI have seen the notice to which the hon. Member refers. While Chinese nationals will be permitted to sit at the Board of Trade examinations, it is expressly stated that they will not receive a certificate of competency, which can be granted only to British subjects, but will receive in lieu thereof a letter signed by the Chief Examiner (the Harbour Master of the Colony) certifying that the examination has been passed. This letter will not entitle the holder to the rights conferred by a certificate of competency. The action of the Colonial authorities has been taken with the approval of His Majesty's Government.