-2- in a reduced engineering April to August. The total number returned from the Forces and from industry since March now totals over 19,000, compared with an estimate of 11,300 made in the spring forecasts included in W.P.(42)226. This, as much as any other factor, is responsible for the improvement in the coal situation. 6. The total production of coal from outcrop workings operated on Government account fell by a third to an average of 36,000 tons, the lowest since June. The fall is accounted for by adverse weather conditions affecting both operatives and transport away from the sites.