§ Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Home Secretary whether the inspectors of pit ponies under the Coal Mines Act, 1911, have been yet appointed; and whether, having regard to the number of mines in which ponies are used, he will consider as to making a number of additional appointments beyond the six appointments originally contemplated, in order to secure proper inspection?
§ Mr. McKENNACandidates for the six appointments were nominated by me, in accordance with the recommendations of the Board for Examinations, at the beginning of this month, and the Civil Service Commission were asked to take the necessary steps for the purpose of their appointment as speedily as possible. As I have already explained it is the duty of the ordinary inspectors, as well as of the special inspectors, to take note of the conditions at the mines they visit in respect of the treatment of the animals employed, and arrangements have been made to give them the assistance, when necessary, of skilled veterinary advice. Until I have had an opportunity of seeing how the new arrangements work, I do not think it would be in accordance with the statements made in Parliament during the passage of the Bill to make any further appointments.