§ Mr. MARKHAMasked the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the second Report of the Mines Royal Commission, issued last week, recommending an immediate increase of inspectors, he will say how many additional inspectors he proposes appointing; how many of these will be men who have had a practical knowledge of working in the coal face; and whether he has applied to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the necessary funds to enable him to make these appointments, and, if so, with what result?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEThe Commission found that the time has arrived for increasing the number of inspectors. The Report and Memoranda contain more than one proposal with regard to the creation of new classes of inspectors, and a unanimous recommendation for the re-division of the country into districts. The Report was only issued last week, and the recommendations made and arguments used are under consideration.