asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the approximate percentage of dirty coal, waste and stone in coal delivered to consumers, in the cases of which particulars have been sent him; if he will give an estimate of the loss entailed in the handling of it and the loss in heating value; and if he will in future, when publishing coal production figures, subtract the wastage percentage.

Comprehensive information is not available as to the content of ash and extraneous material in the coal delivered to the consumers referred to by the hon. Member, and no estimates of the kind requested can therefore be made.