§ 68. Mr. R. M'LARENasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the reason why Lieut. James B. Campbell, Royal Engineers, of the 179th Tunnelling Company who was wounded severely during the War, was not permitted to sit for a manager's certificate at the recent examination, while other officers unwounded, with less practical mining experience, were permitted to sit at the examination; will he state on what principle the Board of Examination make their selection of candidates who have been engaged in tunnelling operations during the War; and if any time served with the forces at these operations is counted as part of their practical experience?
§ Mr. SHORTTI am informed that the Board for Mining Examinations were unable to grant permission to this candidate as he did not possess the practical experience in mining required by the Act and rules, and that it is not the case that any other candidate with less experience has been allowed to sit. Time served with tunnelling companies is not counted under the rules as practical experience, but a special concession has been made to candidates who have served a year with the forces during the War, and who before such service have had practical experience in mining, by allowing them to take the examination before the full period of practical experience has been completed.
§ Mr. M'LARENIf I give the right hon. Gentleman the particulars of the case, will he consider them?
§ Mr. SHORTTYes.