asked the Minister for Energy what would be the average basic wage for a 40-hour week for underground workers in the coal mining industry if they accepted the current offer from the National Coal Board.

The working week underground in the coal industry is five shifts each of 7¼ hours plus one winding time. Under the NCB's present offer the basic wage for this week would be as follows:—

	£
Men on the National Power Loading Agreement (Face workers)	39·36
Plus £1·20 pence productivity	40·56
Non-craftsmen underground (minimum rate)	29·86
Plus £1·20 productivity	31·06

In addition, workers receive benefits in kind currently worth on average £2·64 per week.This projects acceptance of a 3½ per cent. productivity deal which is part of the NCB offer.