THE COAL CRISIS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 June 1926, Page 3

THE COAL CRISIS.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.]

COMMONS DEBATE

(Received this day at 10.15 a.m.) London, June is

In tlie Commons, Mr Baldwin said attempts were undo by Mr MacDonald and members of the Trades Union Congress to get the mine leaders to make some concession. That was the rock liiioii which they split. He bail no liking for a reduction of wages, which if made for existing hours would bo 'on such a scale as no one would like to see offered. We came to a definite conclusion that a return to a longer working day was necessary. A Labourite—“You'll get another ten weeks of it with an argument like that.”

Air Baldwin—“We intend to leave the seven hours’ day on the Statute Book, but to introduce (legislation enabling extra hours to he worked during a certain period of time.”

DISCUSSED TNT COMMONS. LONDON, June 15. 11l the Commons, the coal crisis was again the leading subject of questions. Mr Lane Fox announced that 219,0C0 tons of foreign coal were landed tince Juno Ist. Mr Baldwin told Mr Wheatley that at no time during the general strike did he indicate he was willing to accept Sir IT. Samuel’s memorandum, as a basis of the coal settlement. Mr Baldwin availed himself of the Mines Departments, estimates in his statement on the coal position and said the. gravity of the situation with the accompanying unemployment and distress, was never out of the minds of Ministers. The loss and damage inflicted on industries were crippling in their effect, and if they continued much longer warn Id, in many ones, lead to disaster. Factories would have to ceaso working as the stocks were slowly being exhausted. Large amounts of foreign coal had arrived on private account, but only essential services could look for Government .assistance in that direction. Tie had never Concealed his opinion that it was a cruel stoppage, that it was without real justification, and that it will leaves everyone worse off than at the beginning. Instead of the parties cooperating to do things the Commission recommended they preferred to light, and had they done otherwise wo might have laid the foundations of a new prosperity and could 'nave been hack at work and foreigners would not now he capturing our markets. I shall not attempt to apportion, the blame.

Reviewing the Commission findings Mr Baldwin said :• —-“Let them admit that the industry might H>e better managed. Th’at might be said of every industry, but let them not be carried away into thinking that more

technical improvements could revolutionise the industry. The" Commis-

sion has said the effect upon output in general and wages could lie very small. I do not want the House to form tin exaggerated view of the possibilities of reorganisation. The

Ministry is prepared to help every improvement that will increase productivity, and power to pay wages. To exaggerate lower costs which could bo got by reorganisation was, the Premier feared “laying up thu possibilities of disappointment. It is mifair to the men to believe there are largo reservoirs of untapped wealth in reorganisation, so as to make them feel there is no necessity to face the appalling difficult situation. 'The s Commissioner however, reluctanti ly lias recommended there must ho a -reduction of labour costs, specifically stating there should ho a change in tho intermediate rates and has made certain suggestions with regard to special district rates, which I know have,found little favour.'’ MINERS’ HOURS. ,LONDON, June 1.5. In tho House of Commons, Mr Baldwin said that tho proposed permission to work an extra hour daily in the mines “does not prescribe longer hours, hut will permit that serious negotiations he undertaken on a basis upon which it is felt that a far bettor scale of wages can he phid Ilian on existing basis. T did not negotiate with, nnyono on this subject. I felt that tho hours offered a chance upon which an agreement might he reached which would safeguard the existing if.igc over a greater part of the country, and to which T attach great importance.”