BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 December 1929, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE COAL BILL MAY SEE GOVERNMENT DEFEATED. PRESS RIDICULE BILL. (United Press Association. —By Electric TeJegrapb.—Copyright.) LONDON, Dec. 13. There are inclieations that the GovV ernment will be faced with a crisis over what has already been christened the “Dear Coal Bill.” Both the Conservatives and the Liberals have decided to table amendments. If they combine, it will undoubtedly result in the Bill’s rejection. However, the Daily Telegraph says: The Conservatives will not support the Liberal amendment. The attitude of the Liberals towards the Conservative amendment, which has not yet been drafted, remains to be seen. The Morning Post describes the Bill as a< pretty example of what the Americans call “passing the buck.” The miner passes it to the Government, which passes it to the 'owner, who passes it to th© public. The object of the marketing scheme is to raise the price of domestic coal sufficiently to pay the miner the' same wages for less work. The Daily News appeals to the Government to withdraw the Bill, which, it says, at the bidding of two powerful industrial interests, imposes a grave injustice on the public. OWNERS NOT CONCILIATORY. LONDON, Dec. 13. The Coal Mine Owners’ Association has decided to refer the Coal Bill to the district coal owners. It is understood,that a majority of tne coal owners are still opposed to the setting up of a National Boiird and to the reduction of the hours. Mr Cook (Secretary of the Miners’ Federation), speaking at Islington, said that the Government’s Bill dm not meet with the miners’ desires, but it was the first real step towards reorganising the coal industry, and the Miners’ Federation is therefore giving, the scheme all possible assistance. Mr Cook added: “We have all made mistakes, the owners, the Governments and the miners. Let us make amends quickly in a practical way.” A SERIOUS CHARGE. LONDON, Dec. 13. Regarding the CLal Bill, the Daily Chronicle, says: . This Bill, which is f bewildering and disquieting, is utterly ali6«i to the spirit of democracy. If the Conservatives had ventured to put 11 forward, such a measure, it would be denounced as a sign that the Ministry was in the pocket of a group of capitalists. This Bill entrenches an irresponsible group of capitalists in pn unassailable monopolistic position. The Control Council can prevent a productive mine from expanding its production, and it can enable an inefficient mine to exact a price for an outgoing business. It fixes the selling prices, it subsidises the exporters, and it selects the consuming industries when it favours with a share in the subsidy. In fact, it holds tho whole community to ransom by charging what it likes for coal. The miner gets a. reduced day, but the rest of labour gets dearer coal in the home and dearer fuel in the factories and in transport-.

INSURANCE BILL. LONDON, Doe. 12. The House of Commons is on the rejport stage of the Unemployment Insurance Bill. The House, by 290 votes to 150, read the second time the Government’s new “genuinely seeking work clause,” cabled on December 6th. The new clause reads as follows: “An insured contributor shall be disqualified from receiving the benefit where it is proved that he has been offered suitable employment and has refused it.” The Attorney General (Mr Jowitt) pointed out that this formula placed the onus of the proof upon the Employment Exchange. He admitted that the cost to the Exchequer would be a considerable amount, but it only meant taking money out of one pocket instead of another, as the money would otherwise have to be found by the Poor Law Guardians.