§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Secretary for Mines if it is still the policy of his Department to discourage the employment in the coal mines of this country of all new workers; and if he will give the number of adults who have been employed in the mines of this country in each of the last five years without any prior experience?
§ Mr. LAWSONIn accordance with Section 18 of the Mining Industry Act, 1926, it is the general policy to restrict the engagement of new entrants aged 18 or over into coal mining. For the period from August, 1927, when the restrictions came into force to the end of 1929, the returns furnished by colliery undertakings show that about 500 such new entrants have been engaged. Particulars of their previous experience are not available, but it is not to be assumed that all these persons were without previous experience in coal mining.