§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Minister for Trade (1) if he will make a statement on the severance scheme for marine pilots; and if he intends to expend any public money on the scheme:
(2) what representations he has received from marine pilots about the proposed severance scheme.
§ Mr. SproatI have received many representations from pilots about the proposals that were put to me by the Pilotage Commission on 23 June last; these assumed that the Government would meet one-third of the estimated cost; this was unacceptable and I have sought further advice from Samuel Montagu and Co. Ltd. on means of providing whatever finance may be necessary. I will make a statement shortly.