asked the Secretary for Mines the names of collieries in the United Kingdom which have been re-opened during the past six months or which are pending re-opening, and approximately the numbers who will be employed at these mines?

The number of collieries in Great Britain which were closed on 31st July last, or have closed subsequently for at least a month and have since re-opened, is 142, employing 28,100 workpeople. I will send my hon. and gallant Friend a list of them. In addition, 38 new pits, employing 917 workpeople, have opened. I regret that I have no information beyond that appearing in the Press with regard to pits which the owners contemplate re-opening.

Has my hon. and gallant Friend any idea as to whether the closed pits are likely to be opened in the near future?

I have said in my answer that I regret that I have no information, beyond that appearing in the Press, with regard to pits which the owners contemplate re-opening.