MINERS' STRIKE.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17125, 21 April 1921, Page 7

MINERS' STRIKE.

SEEKING A SETTLEMENT.

OWNEES' OFFEB TO FEDERATION.

(By Cable—Press Association —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received Aoril 20th, 5.5 p.m.) 'LONDON, April 19. Replying to the Miners' Federation, the Coal-owners' Negotiating Committee announce that they are prepared to fully discuss wages with the miners, but not to scrap all the suggested wages' scale without discussion. It is understood the owners are of the opinion that Mr Hodges's proposal for a tonnage levy is entitled to careful examination. The owners also offer a joint audit by a Board for the protection of the men in connexion with the figures by which wages and. profit's are determined. Mr Thomas has issued a "writ against the newspaper "Communist'' for libel. The coal-owners announce a detailed offer, including a National Wages Board, to deal with principles applicable to the whole country. These principles shall be applied in determining district wages according to district financial results. Minimum wages shall be determined nationally, the miner to receive in addition the surplus revenue available in each district during the existing abnormal period. They also offer a conference to deal with wages in the lower paid districts, an agreement for the national settlement of tha relation of wages to profits, and a joint audit of the owners' books on behalf of the owners and workers. SUPPLIES VERY SCARCE. (Received April 20th. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. April 19. The coal scarcity is increasing. There are long queues in front of offices where householders are trying to secure permits to get a half-nundredweight weekly. Many places are unable to allow even this amount, not having an ounce for sale. Residents with gas stoves are being refused permits to buy coal. Farmers are stopping threshing in Leicestershire, owing to there being no coal for the engines.

LOOTING IN LANARKSHIRE. LONDON. April 19. Police reports indicate that yesterday's looting in Lanarkshire was the worst since the coal strike began. Shops were plundered, and the stolen provisions deliberately wasted.