HC Deb 11 June 1901 vol 95 cc59-60
MR. OSMOND WILLIAMS (Merionethshire)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in the event of a mines inspector, permanent or temporary, being appointed for a district including any part of Wales or Monmouthshire, regard will be had to the provision of the Coal Mines Act, 1887, according to which persons having a knowledge of the Welsh language shall be preferred.

*THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. RITCHIE, Croydon)

The answer is, certainly.

MR. OSMOND WILLIAMS

Is it not the fact that a new inspector has already been appointed to succeed Dr. Foster who does not understand Welsh?

*MR. RITCHIE

I do not see how that arises out of the question. I think the hon. Gentleman is misinformed, however.