asked the Secretary for Mines the figures of the average percentage of voluntary absenteeism at collieries for the past six months and for the corresponding period before the war?

The figures available to the Mines Department do not distinguish voluntary from involuntary absenteeism. There are special conditions which have an effect upon the attendance at work which have to be taken into account. Joint action is being taken by owners and workmen to reduce as far as possible the time lost from all causes in the mining industry and I am hoping that the results will be satisfactory.

Can the hon. Gentleman state the cause of this absenteeism? Is it the increased wages or the fear of Income Tax? Is it not ridiculous to call back men from the Colours when you have this large absenteeism?

There is not the large absenteeism which my hon. and gallant Friend describes. There has been more regular work in the last two years than for many years past, and it is not true that there is an abnormal amount of absenteeism.

Did the hon. Gentleman see the statement by Mr. Frank Hodges to the effect that were it not for this absenteeism, we could get another 13,000,000 tons of coal?

It does not require any authority for saying that if not a single day was lost, there would be more coal. Nothing is ever perfect, not even this House of Commons.

Are the joint pit committees being set up?

Yes, Sir; we are setting up pit and district committees which will have the prime responsibility of dealing with this question of absenteeism and other causes of loss of work.