HC Deb 29 February 1916 vol 80 cc886-7
78. Mr. WING

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that certain universities are allowing examinations to men serving in the Army who were qualified to sit before the War; and will he take steps to secure similar facilities of examination to those mining students who had completed their training previous to the War on the recommendation of the colliery agent and leave of the commanding officer?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Brace)

I should be glad to consider any request from military candidates who may be unable to attend at the ordinary examinations for managers' certificates to be given special facilities for taking the examination, but none, so far as I am aware, have reached the Home Office up to the present. It would not be possible to excuse such candidates the examination altogether.

79 and 80. Mr. WING

asked the Home Secretary (1) if he will endeavour to obtain from the university authorities facilities for mining students who completed their training by 31st December, 1914, but who have been prevented by service in the Army and Navy from sitting for examination, to be granted temporary certificates for two years and be allowed to take their examinations in sections during that period; and (2) if he will, in the interest of mining, obtain facilities for students who have enlisted, and at that time had not completed their training, that they should be allowed to count their service as a part, not exceeding one year, of their mining training, and be allowed to take their examinations in sections?

Mr. BRACE

Under the Statute, certificates to act as manager or under-manager can only be granted to persons who have had the specified practical experience and have passed satisfactorily the examination held by the Board for Mining Examinations. No change can be made in these conditions except by Act of Parliament. I could not advise the grant of certificates to act as manager or under-manager of a mine to persons who had not satisfied the responsible authority as to their competency to do so; but I am considering with the Board whether, with the consent of Parliament, some concession can be made, under conditions, as to the period of practical experience in the case of men whose time has been interrupted by a period of active service with the forces.

81. Mr. WING

asked the Home Secretary if he will take steps to secure for mining students who, being wounded, are unable to write facilities whereby their examination under such circumstances may be oral in place of written?

Mr. BRACE

I am considering with the Board for Mining Examinations what arrangements can be made for such cases.