HC Deb 24 November 1954 vol 533 c129W
66. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that Malay officers were permitted to take charge of large vessels during the Japanese occupation and that they do so now when the European officer is incapacitated; and if he will take steps to remove the present disqualification on them in that they are limited to vessels of 75 tons.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Masters' certificates in Singapore fall into three classes—foreign going, home trade and local trade. There is no racial discrimination in the grant of certificates in any of these classes. Holders of the last are limited to command of small vessels. If the master of a vessel is incapacitated during a voyage, the next senior officer takes charge.