The axial electrical field strength in the positive column of glow discharges a t small currents in noble gases passes through a maximum with the increase of an axially directed magnetic field. This maximum is explained of the contrary processes of extension of the radial profiles of the electron energy and the concentration of the metastable atoms on the one hand and the decrease of the ambipolar diffusion losses on the other hand. Using the results of measurements of metastable atom concentrations, the electrical field strength ie calculated as a function of magnetics1 induction with the aid of a set of balance equations. The radial and axial distribution of the electrons is checked by probe measurements. The methods for measuring the concentration of the excited atoms and the electrons are described.