asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the administration of the Coal Emergency Directions, 1926, issued from his Department td the Poplar Borough Council has cost the council up to date the sum of £187; and if the Government will reimburse the Poplar Council and other authorities the amount of their expenses in carrying out his Department's directions?

Under the Local Authorities (Coal Emergency) Order, 1926, made by the Minister of Health on the 1st May last, local authorities are required to meet these expenses out of the rates, and the Government does not see its way to varying this arrangement.