SIR HOWARD VINCENTI beg to ask the Lord Advocate if his attention has been called to the number of Poles who are employed in Scottish coal pits; and, if so, will he state whether, before being allowed to go down a mine, they are examined as to their knowledge of the British language 1348 and of the laws and regulations for the safety of miners.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. AKERS DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine'sMy right hon. friend has asked me to answer this, as coal mines are under the jurisdiction of the Home Department. It is a question which has several times in recent years engaged special attention. The Poles are not examined in the English language nor in the regulations before going down into the pits, but steps are taken by the officials of the mine to see that they are instructed in the regulations. The Inspector of Mines for the West Scotland District (where most of the Poles are employed) states that, though he has given the matter special attention for several years, he does not know of a single accident caused either to the other workmen or to the Poles themselves by their ignorance of the language or of the regulations.
§ MR. AKERS DOUGLASI believe witnesses have drawn the attention of the Alien Commission to it.
§ MR. D. A. THOMAS (Merthyr Tydvil)Are the special rules printed in foreign languages and posted at the pit's mouth?
§ MR. AKERS DOUGLASI cannot answer that. I have made inquiries to ascertain if the Poles are made thoroughly acquainted with the regulations before they are allowed to go down into the pit and I am assured that they are. If the hon. Member will repeat his Question I will endeavour to ascertain.
§ MR. D. A. THOMASEither the right hon. Gentleman or his predecessor made me a promise that it should be done.
§ MR. AKERS DOUGLASIf my predecessor promised, it will be done, and I will see to it.