§ Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what activities relating to coal production have been assigned to the National Coal Board; what matters are left with his Ministry; what were the total numbers employed on the non-manual staffs of the industry in 1946, and at present, respectively; what reduction in the Ministry's staff has taken place and what further reductions are to take place.
§ Mr. GaitskellAs regards to the first two parts of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to Section 1 of the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act, 1946, and to the First Schedule to the Ministry of Fuel and Power Act, 1945. The staffing of the coal industry is now a matter for the National Coal Board and no doubt they will publish full information in their Annual Report. The reduction in the Ministry's staff consequent on nationalisation of the coal industry is so far about 510.