asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many underground coalminers, released under the Class B scheme, were working in the coalmines on 1st October, 1945; how many underground coalminers in His Majesty's Forces had applied for Class B release by that date; and how many underground coal-miners released under the Class A scheme had not returned to work in the mines by that date.

By 15th September 3,239 ex-miners had been released from the Forces in Class A and 118 in Class B. From 18th June to 29th September some 1,450 miners released from the Forces were reported by collieries as having returned to their employment. I regret that the further information which my hon. Friend desires is not available.