asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many mineworkers in Scotland received coal from collieries at special rates during the year 1944; and what was the average amount per mine-worker.

The number of miners in Scotland receiving coal at reduced prices during the year 1944 is not available, but early in 1943, when a census was taken, the number was approximately 40,000, with an average annual quantity per head of 6 tons. The tonnage of coal supplied is the only available information for 1944 and there appears to have been no appreciable change.