asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has now considered the report from the Coal Production Council with their recommendations as to the steps to be taken to increase the production of coal, and urging their immediate adoption; and if he can make a statement on the matter?

asked the Secretary for Mines when he expects to be in a position to publish the report of the Committee on the Increase in the Production of Coal?

The functions of the Coal Production Council are of a continuous character and their work is at present far from completed. I am in frequent communication with them through their chairman, both orally and in writing. I do not think it would be appropriate to publish any correspondence, but, when they have been able to proceed further with their work, I will make a statement reporting to the House the progress made.

What are the reasons why the Press can be told and not the House of Commons?

I am not responsible for what appears in the Press.

Does the Minister deny the report appearing in the Press as being the recommendations of the Council?

So far as I know, no authorised statement has been made.

Is it the intention of the Minister to publish any part of the report of this Council, and if it is his intention to do so when does he expect to publish it?

I have said that when their work has made further progress I propose to make a statement in this House.

Is it not right that this Council has completed its work in regard to a certain coalfield, and, if so, why cannot that part of the report be published?

The hon. Member's information is not correct.

May I ask my hon. Friend what steps he is taking to deal with the major and most important part of the researches of this Council, those concerned with the re-employment of unemployed persons?

That is one of the most important parts of the work they are undertaking, and steps have already been taken to find work.

Have the activities of this Committee led to any increase in the production of coal, and if so, to what extent?

There has been an improvement in the means of transportation by rail and sea, and that has led to a marked increase in output.