HC Deb 17 February 1896 vol 37 cc466-7
MR. ALFRED THOMAS (Glamorgan, E.)

asked the Home Secretary whether, in consequence of the fact that the majority of the witnesses at the forth-coining inquest at Tylorstown, near Pontypridd, on the victims of the late explosion, had an imperfect knowledge of the English language, he would appoint a gentleman to watch the proceedings on behalf of the Home Office who, besides technical knowledge of the working of mines, had also knowledge of the Welsh language?

MR. JESSE COLLINGS

The Secretary of State has already appointed Mr. Woodfall to act as Home Office counsel in this case. Mr. Woodfall has had previous experience as Home Office Counsel in mining cases, and he will have the assistance of a mines inspector who has technical knowledge of the whole subject and minute acquaintance with the circumstances of the district. A Welsh-speaking inspector will be in attendance throughout the case.