§ Mr. Haireasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the average weekly and shift wage, separately, for coalminers working at the coal face, in England, Scotland and Wales, respectively.
§ Mr. ShinwellOfficial statistics of earnings in the coal mining industry do not distinguish between the earnings of face workers and those of other workers. The following figures show the required particulars for all workers in the industry:
§ Mr. ShinwellOwing to the general shortage of coal supplies and the increasing demands, it is not always possible to allocate to consumers the particular quality of coal they would normally use, but within these limits I am satisfied that 159W the allocation arrangements meet consumers' requirements as far as is possible in present circumstances. The services of my regional fuel engineers are at the disposal of consumers to enable them to make the best use of the available supplies.