asked the Secretary for Mines the total amount paid into the welfare scheme and the total amount paid out for approved schemes; and how many of the approved schemes include pit-head baths?

The total amount paid into the Miners' Welfare Fund, together with interest on investments, amounted at the 29th February, 1924, to £2,608,180 0s. 6d. The total amounts actually paid out at that date for approved schemes were £837,779 10s. 6d, from District Funds, and £60,372 12s. 2d. from the General Fund, but the total amounts allocated to such schemes were about £1,570,500 and £86,500 respectively The number of approved schemes which include pit-head baths is eight.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us the amount allocated to research work, and how much of it has been paid?

I am afraid I shall require notice of that question; but I can tell my hon. Friend how much was earmarked. The amount was £500,000. That, however, has not been definitely allocated.