§ [SECOND READING.]
§ Order of the day for the Second Reading read.
THE EARL OF JERSEYMy Lords, the object of this Bill is to provide an alternative qualification for those who wish to become managers of mines. Under the Act of 1887 it is necessary before a person can get a certificate to manage a mine that he must have been engaged in work underground for five years. The object of this Bill is to afford an alternative qualification as regards part of those five years; that is to say, a man who desires to 1761 obtain a certificate would have to have worked three years underground, but would have the option if he chose of going for two years to one of the mining colleges or Universities approved by the Secretary of State and obtaining their diploma. In this way it is hoped that managers who adopt this alternative may have a combination of scientific as well as factory knowledge. The Bill does not take away the right of anyone who chooses to come in under the present system. The measure is strongly supported by those interested in mining matters, and also by His Majesty's Inspectors. I may say also that in recent years the different University colleges of Wales and the mining colleges elsewhere have made important arrangements for giving scientific training in mining matters. In these circumstances, I hope your Lordships will consent to give the Bill a Second Reading.
§ Moved, that the Bill be now read 2a. (The Earl of Jersey.)
§ LORD BELPERMy Lords, the Secretary of State for the Home Department quite approves of this Bill.
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the whole House on Friday, the 12th of June next.