asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many coalmines have been sunk during the last 25 years, giving the name of each mine, the county and the year of sinking.

Leaving aside small mines employing fewer than 100 men each, there are 106 mines which can be regarded as having started operations during the last 25 years. The mines in question, of which I am sending a list to my hon. Friend, are those at which all the shafts or outlets used for raising men or minerals have been sunk or driven since the end of 1921.

Could the Minister give us any idea of the last year of sinking?

I am afraid I have not the particulars before me, but I will send them to my hon. Friend.

Will the information be published in HANSARD apart from the letter to the hon. Member?

I am not sure how much material is required to furnish all the information asked for, but if it is not too much I will have it published in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will my right hon. Friend try to impress upon the Coal Board that this is a very important matter and that we are working now no fewer than 500 uneconomic pits in this country?

This question of the continuance of uneconomic pits is engaging the very active attention of the Coal Board, who are considering it in terms of ultimate concentration. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that the first task of the Coal Board is to assist in stepping up coal output this year.