asked the Secretary for Mines what are the functions of the Directorate of Mine Supplies set up by his Department, and what is the relationship of this organisation to the industry, and the number of persons serving in his Department?

The Directorate of Mining Supplies was set up on the outbreak of war to assist the owners of mines and quarries to secure the plant and equipment required for the safe and efficient production of coal and other essential minerals. The Director of Mining Supplies works in close contact with the industry through district officers and district committees. The paid staff of the directorate is 13 in the provinces and 16 at headquarters. The work of the members and secretaries of the district committees is honorary and I am glad to have the opportunity of expressing publicly my high appreciation of their services.

Can the hon. Gentleman give the name of the director?

We have secured the services of Colonel J. A. S. Ritson, Professor of Mining at the Royal School of Mines, formerly an inspector of mines.