§ MR. WATKIN WILLIAMSasked the Under Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether, in the qualifications of Inspectors of Mines, the maximum limit of age of 40 years was absolute and imperative, or was open to relaxation; and, if open to relaxation, at whose discretion and under what circumstances?
§ MR. WINTERBOTHAMsaid, he had not had an opportunity of making particular inquiry; but, speaking from recollection, he believed the age was not 40, but 45. Such matters were determined by the Home Office, the Secretary to the Treasury, and the Civil Service Commissioners. A general rule was laid down, and it would not be competent to them to relax it for the purpose of meeting the case of a particular individual; but it might be re-considered on general grounds, if circumstances called for such re-consideration.