§ MR. KNOWLESasked the Secretary 1518 of State for the Home Department, If he would inform the House in what parts of Europe coal and other Mines are owned by the State; if he would explain what are the functions of the Minister of Mines in Belgium and Prussia, and whether the inspectors employed in those countries act as cheque viewers as well as inspectors on behalf of the State; in what manner those Governments lease their Mines, whether at a Royalty rent or at a percentage on actual profits, and at what average Royalty or percentage; and, what are the salaries of inspectors in those States?
MR. ASSHETON CROSS, in reply, said, he had no information at the Home Office on the subject, nor was there any, he had ascertained, at the Foreign Office. If, however, his hon. Friend would move for Returns on the subject, he would obtain the information which he required.