§ 13. Mr. J. GUESTasked the Secretary for Mines how many sub-inspectors of mines have been promoted to the rank of junior inspector since the present system of appointment to these positions become operative?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Shinwell)Since the grade of sub-inspector of mines was introduced in 1938 1912, four sub-inspectors have been promoted without examination to the grade of junior inspector, and five have been appointed to that grade as the result of an examination limited to sub-inspectors.
§ Mr. GUESTDoes the hon. Gentleman consider the existing Regulations sufficiently elastic, or that they afford a sufficient opportunity to the sub-inspector to be promoted, seeing that the promotions have been at the rate of less than one a year?
§ Mr. SHINWELLYes, Sir, I am of the opinion that they are sufficiently clastic, and do afford opportunities for promotion.
Mr. HAROIEDoes the hon. Gentleman consider that the inspection is sufficient in the West of Scotland?
§ Mr. SHINWELLThat hardly arises out of this question.
§ Mr. HARDIEMay I submit that it must arise on the question of appointments, and can I have a definite answer, because something is about to take place in Scotland unless there is an increase of inspection in certain pits?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better put that question down.