asked the Secretary for Mines the number of wage-earners on the colliery books at the present time in South and West Yorkshire, respectively; and the comparative figures for the end of August, 1939?

I have been asked to reply in the absence of my hon. Friend, who is indisposed. It is not in the public interest to publish this information.

Is it not a fact that it would be in the public interest if something were done to absorb in the mining industry those miners who are now unemployed? What is the Department doing towards that end?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would put that Question down.