HC Deb 02 February 1891 vol 349 c1525
MR. FENWICK (Northumberland, Wansbeck)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the examiners appointed under "The Coal Mines Act, 1887," in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Darlington districts, require from those who desire to be examined for first-class certificates that they must have served five years either as overman or underviewer before they can sit for such examination; and whether such restriction is in accordance with the provisions of the said Act; if so, under what section?

MR. MATTHEWS

Yes, Sir; the fact is as stated. I am advised by the aw Officers of the Crown that the restriction is one that the Board of Examiners have a right to impose tinder Sub-section 2 of the 24th clause of the Act.

MR. FENWICK

Will the effect of that restriction be to leave out 99 per cent, of the men otherwise qualified; and is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to propose legislation to remedy the grievance?

MR. MATTHEWS

The result may be as the hon. Member has stated, and I confess it rather startled me; but I have taken the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown, which is embodied in my reply to the hon. Member's question. I am not prepared to propose any legislation on the subject. The Examiners have the confidence of the House and the country.

Forward to