MINERS' STRIKE.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17124, 20 April 1921, Page 7

MINERS' STRIKE.

COAL STOCKS COMMANDEERED.

AMERICA OFFERS SUPPLIES.

(By Cable—Press AsMciaUon-^PjrigH.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, April 18. • Coal dealers are preparing to import American coal. They 6tate that cost of the coal landed will be less than British coal, but labour and other difficulties prevent a general acceptance or American offers. Moreover, the Government at present is commandeering all imported coal. Chinese coal is also offering. It is of good quality, but is not regarded as a cheap fuel for English market.

FULL CLAIMS INSISTED ON. (Received April 19th'. 7.40 p.m.) LONDON, April 19. The miners' district meetings show practically a unanimous determination in South Wales, Scotland, the Black Country, Notts, Lancashire, Cheshire, and Derbyshire to insist on the full original claims at Friday's conference of delegates. Northumbrrland a one favours a fresh meeting with the owners for a temporary wages, settlement.

A POSSIBLE WAY OUT.

(Heuter's lelegmms.) (Received April 20th, 1.10 a.m.) V LO-NDON. April 19. A significant statement was made in the House of Commons which it is thought increases the prospects of a settlement of the coal situation. Mr Llovd George declared that although the Government was unable to accept indefinite liability, it did not exclude the possibility of a subsidy tor a permanent'settlement. NATIONAL POOL IMPOSSIBLE.

PEEMTBB AGAINST A PATCHED-UP PEACE.

(Received April 19th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 19. During the debate in tho House of Commons on the Army Estimates, Labour members and others st'.ongly criticised the expenditure upon tho reserve army which was utilised to counter tihe strike. Mr Hogge said the step might be regarded as a declaration of civil war. Mr Clynes urged the immediate-dis-bandment of tho forces. Sir R. S. Home said the reserve army was costing rather less than one million weekly. It was essential if the Government was to assure the nation's food, supply. I / Mr Hartshorn said tlhat if the National Wages Board conceded and arr ranged a fixed proportion of profits to wages, they would be a long way on the road to permanent peace. Mr Lloyd George agreed that some proposed reductions of wages seemed indefensible. He was entirely of opinion that the principles on which wages in all areas were to be fixed must be settled nationally. If the miners recognised that a national pooling system was impossible, then a Scheme migjht be hammered out satisfactory to everybody. It would be a misfortune if this dispute ended in another temporary paichup. t lt would be better to risk' taking rather more time to secure a settlement which would restore peace for years to come. . '

"TREAT COAL AS GOLD."

("The Timet.") (Received April 19th, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 18. Ths,coal shortage is becoming acute.. The metal' industries remain closed. Consumers are exhorted to treat coal 'Jike gold* A severe cold snap, with snow,, grips 'the Kingdom, and many j towns are without coal. The situation wnong the strikers is mixed. The Scots, at mass meetings, demanded the recall of Mr Snjillie. Wales, demands the resignation of Mr Hodges, but Yorkshire and Newcastle favour the Hodges formula. Mr Hodges is organising support for Friday's meetings, nut the issue is doubtful. The districts demand the withdrawal of the safety men.

HULL TEAWLEES IDLE. .■ • ■ Qtma.ttx'B T«lfgauu.) * (Received April 19th, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 18. At some of the Fifeshire collieries, Vhere the miners hitherto have prevents ed preservation vd|rk, pumping has been started under protection. No coal whatever is available in Lincoln. Householders are only able to secure a supply of fourteen pounds on a medical certificate tiiat warmth is necessary for a patient. The fishing industry at Hull has been allotted only a quarter of the normal supply. Already 108 vessels are laid up, and the number is growing fast. - • BACTNG PROHIBITED.

(Received April 19th, 5.6 p.m.) LONDON, April 19. There are no prospects of racing being resumed this week.- In the event of *ne Newmarket Meeting being forbidden, efforts will be made to arrange a day's racing to decide the Two Thousand and One Thousand Guineas.