50. Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what increase in the output of coal in Germany has resulted from the increase in mineworkers' rations.
§ Mr. J. HyndThe output per manshift in the British zone increased from 0.87 tons at the end of July to 0.92 tons in the third week of October and coal production has risen from 176,000 to 183,400 tons per day in the same period. This increase is due to several factors but I think the most important is the increase in the mineworkers' rations.
Mr. Scott-ElliotWill the Minister give an undertaking that he will try to secure a further increase in the ration in order that he may secure an additional increase in the output of coal?
§ Mr. HyndI do not think that the key to further production lies in a further increase in the miners' rations, which are now substantial; but there are other factors which contribute towards increasing the output of the miners, and those are having very close attention by the Government.