§ Mr. Benjamin Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that, under the Merchant 199W Shipping Act, persons in command of certain fishing craft are required to be in possession of a certificate, he will consider the advisability of applying the condition to coastwise vessels?
Mr. StanleyNo, Sir. Fishing vessels make voyages extending far beyond the coasting and home trade limits, and, as I informed the hon. Member on the 21st June, there is no evidence to show that the absence of a requirement that coasting and home trade cargo ships should have certificated officers is unsatisfactory.
§ Mr. Benjamin Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the unsatisfactory position which arises when a coasting vessel commanded by a certificated officer is involved in a casualty with one navigated by an uncertificated person; and whether, in view of the fact that the latter is immune from penal consequences to which the certificated officer is liable, he will take steps to ensure that certificated officers of coasting vessels shall not be placed in an unfair position?
Mr. StanleyI am not aware that any unsatisfactory position arises in the circumstances quoted, but if the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of any case he has in mind, I will make further inquiries.