asked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware that a large number of merchant navy officers around Tyneside are out of work; and will he make inquiries into the reason and take steps to employ them?

I am aware that there is at the present time a number of unemployed senior officers, mainly shipmasters, available for appointment to ships as and when vacancies occur. It may not be possible for all of them to obtain posts as masters. It would be helpful if those for whom employment cannot be found in this capacity would indicate to the owners and officers' associations their willingness to accept employment as first and second officers.