§ 23. Mr. KELLYasked the Secretary for Mines the number of men who were engaged on the abandoned mines catalogue on 1st March, 1928; were they qualified by examination and with mining experience; were any of these men without underground experience; and have any of the men with underground experience been discharged?
§ Commodore KINGOn 1st March, 1928, six technical men were employed on the work of compiling I he catalogue of plans of abandoned mines. Two were mining surveyors, both of whom had had mining experience and were certificated. Four were draughtsmen, and three of these had had mining experience. Owing to the satisfactory progress made with the 901 work the services of one surveyor and two draughtsmen were dispensed with on 31st March, 1928. All of these had had mining experience underground, although so far as the draughtsmen were concerned this was not considered an essential requirement for the kind of work they have to do. The staff retained are considered to be fully competent to complete the work.
§ Mr. KELLYDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider that those retained are competent, and does he also consider that his staff is adequate?
§ Commodore KINGOh, yes.