asked the Minister for Defence whether his attention has been drawn to the circumstances attending the dismissal of Messrs. Samuel Bishop and J. J. L. Cottell from their successive appointments as Chief Engineer of the "S.S. Helga"; whether the officer who was master of the "Helga" during the period of service of Chief Engineers Bishop and Cottell was transferred from his command of the ship to a post ashore shortly after the dismissal of Mr. Cottell; and whether he will concede the demand of Messrs. Bishop and Cottell that any report or complaint respecting their conduct or efficiency while in charge of the engine department of the "Helga" should be inquired into by a competent court having experience of the marine service?
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - DISMISSAL OF “HELGA” OFFICERS.
I am aware of the circumstances under which the services of Messrs. Bishop and Cottell as engineers on the "Helga" terminated. Mr. Bishop was dismissed and Mr. Cottell resigned. The transfer of the master of the ship to a shore appointment shortly afterwards had no connection with these matters. The circumstances of the cases do not appear to warrant the holding of any inquiry.
Can the Minister suggest any way by which these men's competence can be tested by an authority that would be recognised in any seafaring community?
Mr. Bishop was dismissed for reasons that appeared to our authorities sufficient reasons for his dismissal.