HC Deb 09 April 1913 vol 51 c1181
79. Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked whether any decision has yet been reached concerning the memorandum of the education committee of the Glamorgan County Council asking that certificates issued by that body for competency in first-aid and rescue work, which are already recognised by the Board of Trade and the War Office, should also be recognised by his Department for the requirements of the Mines Act; and, if no decision has been reached, whether he will expedite the consideration of the matter in order to enable working men students who desire to sit for their certificates as mine managers at the forthcoming examination in May next, and who already hold the Glamorgan qualification, to do so without further delay or waste of time?

Mr. McKENNA

I am afraid I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave my hon. Friend on Monday. I have the matter under my consideration and will see that there is no unnecessary delay.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Can the Home Secretary say whether he will come to a decision in time to enable those students to sit at the forthcoming examinations?

Mr. McKENNA

I have already told my hon. Friend I can add nothing to the answer I gave on Monday.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is causing great inconvenience to young colliers holding those certificates who will be debarred from sitting?

Mr. McKENNA

The statements reported to me are that the colliers in general would prefer the existing system.