BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 November 1927, Page 3

BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, Nov. IG. In the Commons Hr MacDonald in a motion, complained of the Government's neglect of increasing unemployment and distress in the coal industry, and failure to enforce efficient Organisation. He contended that the situation was due to stoppages in 1925 and 192(1. It had been heralded by warning events of many years. Since last yearr’s settlement production had been increased and costs reduced, with the result (Shat British coal at present was selling in Germany at 4s per ton below !tl(e next competitor. Government's view last year was that reduced wages and increased hours would save the industry, but tins was absolutely falsified. The real problem was the transference of coal into oil power. In experiments for this pun-pose, Britain was far behind the Continent. The next problem was the disposal of the coal industry. At present it i ns not suffering from continental competition, but from competition of British collieries and exporters among themselves. The subsidy bad been squandered on internal competition, not a penny going to strengthen the industry. Industrial efficiency meant preventing the owners marketing coal here and abroad at any price. Labour and Government were in ihe owners pockets. As far as hours and wages were concerned, it meant nothing less than industrial slavery. Thousands of miners were unemployed and more pits were closing down weekly or on short time. Miners were not earning £1 weekly. The condition in the mining districts was most appalling, families having to sell op their homes, and pnblio utility societies going bankrupt. Owners were openly refusing available employment to men l>elonging to the Labour Par try and Miners Federation. It was no wonder the miners were beginning to hanker after swifter methods than political action. IN THE COMMONS. (Received this day at 11.25 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. IG.

In the Commons in reply to a questioner, ivlio pointed out that the training of youth emigrants for the dominions was costing the Ministry of Labour 53s per capita weekly, and the Salvation Army only 395. Sir A. SteelMaitland replied that the respective costs were incomparable, as voluntary bodies obtained the Empire Settlement Act grant. • Mr Bridgeman, replying to a question, announced the, laying-down of only one cruiser during the present financial year. The Ministry decided in view of the situation disclosed at the Geneva Naval Conference that it was unnecessary and undesirable to lay down another two on the programme this year. SCENE IN COMMONS. LONDON, Nov. IG. In the Commons Mr John Gilmour introduced a Bill permitting reference to the Slater case to the Scottish Criminal Appeal Court. The Bill was read a. first time. The Labour censure motion drawing natenbion tk> the coal industry led to unusual scenes. Mr MacDonald’s submission of tho motion to his speech concluding: “Wo want to know what the Government is doing in the matter and the President of the Board of Trade is not the Minister to answer.” Sir Cunliffe Lister rose to reply and was greeted with insistent cries for Mr Baldwin. Sir Cunliffe Lister was unable to make himself heard. Mr Kirkwood shouted to the Speaker: “Cannot you move Sir Cunliffe/ Lister will be no longer heard. This is a man’s job not a boy’s.” The Speaker again called on Sir Cunliffe Lister and tried to restore order, hut owing to the continued uproarr, suspended the sitting for an hour.