HC Deb 17 July 1894 vol 27 c176
MR. D. THOMAS (Merthyr Tydvil)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Mr. Boskill, the gentleman appointed to report to the Government on the colliery explosion at Cilfynydd, has any knowledge of the Welsh language or of Welsh mining, or any special qualification for the position?

MR. ASQUITH

As far as I know, Mr. Boskill, the gentleman referred to, does not know the Welsh language. Such knowledge does not appear to me to be a necessary qualification for counsel. Mr. Boskill's special qualifications are his familiarity with mining law and with the practice of mining, and the experience gained by him in previous inquiries of a similar character which he has conducted for the Government in other parts of the country with thoroughness and ability.