NO LIBERAL SUPPORT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 845, 13 December 1929, Page 11

NO LIBERAL SUPPORT

COAL BILL A TICKLISH QUESTION PROPOSALS IN BRITAIN LONDON, Thursday. The President of the Board of Trade, Mr. W. Graham, introduced in the House of Commons the Coalmines Bill, relating to marketing and hours of work. The bill was read a first time. A forecast states that it provides for compulsory marketing and the reiuction of miners' hours to seven and uhalf. The Liberal leader, Mr. Lloyd George, gave notice of motion for the rejection of the Bill, on the grounds that, while favouring a reduction in hours, and the establishment of a coal miners’ national industrial board, he could not approve of the Bill, because it does not promote reorganisation of the industry, and does not secure a reduction in the costs of production. On the contrary, the Bill gives vested interest la inefficient pits, subsidises the coal supplied to competing foreign manufacturers, and increases coal prices to British industries and consumers. The “Daily News” says only Conservative absenteeism can prevent the Government from defeat, but it is expected that the Conservatives- will tacitly snuport the scheme, owing to the marketing clause, although they are opposed to the reduction of hours. The Liberals believe that a Bill to subsidise coal exports at the expense of the small manufacturers will send up the price of domestic coal by 4s a ton. Even if the Conservatives approve of the Bill it is likely to be hotly opposed in committee, and may be withdrawn.