asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of colliery workers who have been registered under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act and the number whose calling up has been deferred; and whether he is in constant consultation with the Secretary for Mines and the three Defence Ministers as to the need for retaining sufficient miners in the industry to secure the output of coal required to meet the nation's needs, and with what result?

It would not be in the national interest to give the figures for which the hon. Member asks. I can assure him however that I am in constant touch with my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines and other Ministers, including the three Defence Ministers, as to the need for retaining a sufficient number of miners in the coalmining industry to secure the output of coal required and as to the steps that should be taken to this end.

Have consultations been carried on with both sides in the industry?

That is a matter for my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines.