§ Sir WALTER MENZIESasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that all nominations for the last ten years for the position of assistant inspector of mines have been given to men occupying considerable social position, and none whatever to working miners, however much these latter may have qualified themselves for such a post by education 1043 and experience, he will issue regulations with conditions for nominations to these positions, as has recently been done for sub-inspectors, and thus remove the discontent which at present exists?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for the Forest of Dean Division on the 23rd March. There is no foundation whatever for the statement that in nominating candidates to compete for the post of inspector of mines any weight is attached to social position, or that applications from working miners are ignored. All applications are, and have been in the past, considered impartially on their merits, with a view to the nomination of those who are best qualified in every way for the position, with special regard to their practical experience of mining. This is clearly stated in the regulations, a copy of which I shall be happy to send to my hon. Friend.