CAPTAIN HEATHCOTE (Staffordshire, N.W.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he is aware that Mr. James Hughes and, Mr. Thomas Parker have received reliable testimonials from well-known mining engineers and others showing their fitness for second-class certificates under Section 80 of the Coal Mines, &c. Regulation Act, but that Her Majesty's Inspector of Mines in North Staffordshire refuses to recommend them, asserting that they are not duly qualified; whether he is aware that Mr. James Hughes and Mr. Thomas Parker are unable to obtain permanent employment pending the decision of their claim to second-class certificates; and, whether, under the circumstances, he will order inquiries to be made at once as to the accuracy of the Report of Her Majesty's Inspector of Mines in North Staffordshire?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)Yes, Sir; I am aware of the facts stated. I have summoned the Inspector of Mines for the district to attend at the Home Office to-morrow, when the whole matter will be carefully investigated.