22. Mr. CREECH JONESasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that both colliery officials and certain prominent officials of the Mine Workers' Federation of Great. Britain agree that it is undesirable for boys under 16 years of age to be employed below ground in mines, and that the employment of such boys underground should be discontinued; and whether he will institute an inquiry into this question, both from a social as well as an economic standpoint, with a view to action being taken in the case of such boys?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI am aware that certain individuals hold views of the nature indicated, but I have received no official representations, from either side in the industry on the subject, which is obviously one of great importance to the industry as a whole. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.