§ 18. Mr. LUNNasked the Secretary for Mines how many persons have gained first and second class certificates of competency under the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1911, in each of the years since 1920; how many were workmen qualifying under the five years period; and how many were students holding a diploma in mining science and qualified under the three years period?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Colonel Lane Fox)I will circulate these figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. LUNNIs it not the fact that nearly 2,000 men have obtained these certificates under the five years' serving period, and does not the right hon. Gentleman see that a gross mistake has been made in passing Section 22 of the Mining Industries Act?
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe must not criticise the action of the House four months ago.
§ Following are the figures promised:
§ The numbers of persons who have gained first class certificates since 1920, showing, respectively, the numbers who held approved degrees or diplomas and required at least three years' experience in mining, and the numbers who required 1666 at least five years' experience in mining are shown below:
| Year. | Holders of Approved Degrees or Diplomas. | Other Candidates. | Total. | |
| 1921 | … | 6 | 146 | 152 |
| 1922 | … | 24 | 181 | 205 |
| 1923 | … | 44 | 185 | 229 |
| 1924 | … | 37 | 151 | 188 |
| 1925 | … | 54 | 144 | 198 |
| 165 | 807 | 972 |
§ With regard to second class certificates the numbers are as follows:
| Year. | Holders of Approved Degrees or Diplomas. | Other Candidates. | Total. | |
| 1921 | … | — | 209 | 209 |
| 1922 | … | — | 237 | 237 |
| 1923 | … | — | 209 | 209 |
| 1924 | … | 2 | 186 | 188 |
| 1925 | … | 2 | 147 | 149 |
| 4 | 988 | 992 |