asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give an estimate of the saving in manpower and expenditure which would result if the rationing of domestic coal were ended; and if he is now able to agree to do this.

About 5,000 and £1¼ million respectively. The reply to the second part of the Question is, No, Sir.

Can my right hon. Friend say, if he cannot abolish domestic coal rationing now, whether there is any hope that he will be able to do so in the near future?

Unfortunately, it would cost us some £20 million worth of foreign exchange if we were to supply the coal that would be required as a result of abolishing rationing, and I would not care to prophesy when coal output will have reached the point at which we shall be able to abolish rationing.