asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what reduction of coal output took place over the country as a whole, and specifically in South Wales, on 1st January last, as a result of the Vesting Day celebrations.

The Vesting Day celebrations were carefully arranged to avoid interference with production, and generally took place on the Sunday following the Vesting Day. In South Wales, brief celebrations took place at the pithead on Vesting Day itself, but these were fitted in with the change of shifts. I have no reason to believe that there was any loss of output in consequence of these celebrations, and, indeed, production over the country as a whole during the week was much higher than in the corresponding week of the previous year.

Is it not a fact that, before 1st January, which was Vesting Day, in Yorkshire alone there was 50 per cent. absenteeism and 50,000 tons of coal were lost?

I do not accept the hon. Member's figures at all; indeed, I challenge them at once. What I do say is that it is quite understandable that there should be a little enthusiasm among miners when they came to the end of a very sordid chapter in the mining industry.

Did the miners on this happy day display the same joy and enthusiasm as was reflected on the faces of Cabinet Ministers who were photographed on that day?

If it comes to any allegations against the faces of Cabinet Ministers, there are no oil paintings on the opposite side of the House.