HC Deb 17 December 1942 vol 385 cc2081-2
83. Mr. Foster

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the full personnel of the present form of control in the mining industry has been completed; the number of persons engaged in an official or administrative capacity, giving the number in each region separately; the total cost per year for salaries and wages for his Department and for each region, separately?

Major Lloyd George

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." As regards the remainder of the Question, the staff of my Ministry deal with very many questions other than coalmining; and a large amount of work would be involved in estimating the proportion of staff and their salaries concerned with the coalmining industry. If, however, my hon. Friend would let me know precisely what information he requires, I will do my best to supply it.

Mr. Foster

In view of the Minister's Reply, which has not answered the Question on the Order Paper, may I ask whether he cannot give the kind of reply which is required and set out the number of people employed and the salaries paid?

Major Lloyd George

May I ask my hon. Friend whether his Question has direct reference to mining only, as some of the controllers have responsibilities of a wider kind?