BRITISH COAL CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1925, Page 1

BRITISH COAL CRISIS

STATEMENTS AND CONFERENCES

[Reuter Telegrams.] iLONDON, June 23. The outlook in the coal mining industry was drawn attention to in the Commons. After a reply by Mr Lane Fox who said that 361 coal mines, which, under normal conditions, would be employing seventy-two thousand men had closed down and not reopened since the first of November, and 122 employing thirteen thousand hail opened or reopening, Air MacDonald asked whether the Government was contemplating action in view of the serious position anil gravity of the situation, which might arise in the event of a dispute in this industry. Air Baldwin, in replying, recognised that discussions were proceeding between the (olliery owners and the miners’ representatives which might luivo important, perhaps serious, consequences, but lie expressed the opinion the Government should only intervene as a last resort. It. therefore, was premature to make a statement. The Premier aimed that- a serious and difficult position would arise if the trade was unable to adjust conditions to enable it to compete in the world’s markets.

The crisis in the coal mining industry was the subject of an interview with Air Baldwin by Air Cook, .Secretary of the Alineis’ Federation, with a view to the Premier receiving a deputation to discuss the subject with the object of averting an immediate crisis.

It was stated the situation of the industry is so serious that there is little- doubt that tin- min.- minors "ill give notice on Friday to end the present wage agreement on 31st. July. .Meanwhile the Executive of the National Union of Railwavmen will meet to-morrow to discuss the emergency conference called by the Railway managers for Thursday in regard to the effect of the serious drop in the railway companies receipts.

At a meeting of the joint sub-com-mittee inquiring into the coal industry the London coal owners informed the miners that they would give a mouths’ notice on the 30th. June to end t-lic present wage agreement and that they are requesting the Government to pass the legislation necessary to enable a return to an eight hour day.

The miners representatives replied that they could not. consider the question of longer hours which would not solve the coal mining problem. THE OTYNERS’ ATTITUDE. LONDON, Juno 24. The coal owners have intimated that they are not prepared 1o submit any proposals for a new agreement with the minors. Tf is suggested that the two sides meet after the owners have a conference on Thursday. - •'DAtTLY HERALD’S” YIEAV. LONDON. June 24. The “Daily Herald” affirms that the mine owners intend, in the event of no agreement being reached by 30lh. June, to post notices offering work ai revised rates, thus throwing the onus for any stoppage on the miners anil also preventing their receiving any unemployment insurance lienelit. NATIONALISATION PROPOSAL. LONDON. Juno 24. The Prime Minister received a deputation from the General Council ol the Trades’ Union Congress, but he rejected their proposal for the nationalisation of the coal mines and minerals. He said he thought it would prove more costly than the present system.