“The Dear Coal Bill”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 846, 14 December 1929, Page 11

“The Dear Coal Bill”

GOVERNMENT FACES CRISIS Amendments to be Tabled ATTITUDE OF THE OTHER PARTIES United P.A..—By Telegraph—Copyright T . LONDON, Friday. HERE are indications that the Government will be faced with a crisis over what has alreadv 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 rejection of the Bill. But the “Daily Telegraph” says the Conservatives will not support the Liberal amendment.

The attitude of the Liberals toward tho Conservative amendment, which has not yet been dratted, 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 to the Government, which passes to the owner, who passes to the 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 at the bidding of two powerful industrial interests imposes a grave injustice on the public. The “Daily Chronicle” says the Bill, which is bewildering and disquieting, is utterly alien to the spirit of democracy. If the Conservatives ventured to put forward such a measure, it would be denounced as a sign that the Alinistry was in the pocket of a group of capitalists. The Bill would entrench an irresponsible group of capitalists in an unassailable monopolistic position, continues the “Chronicle.” The central council could prevent a productive mine from expanding its production, and enable an inefficient mine to exact a price for outgoing business. The Bill fixes selling prices, subsidises the exporters and selects the consuming industries which it favours, with a share in the subsidy. In fact, it would hold the whole community to ransom by charging what it likes for coal. The miner would get a reduced day, but the rest of labour would get dearer coal in the home ,and dearer fuel in factories and transport. TEXT OF THE BILL GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES PROPOSALS MINERS GIVE SUPPORT British Official Wireless RUGBY, Thursday. The text of the Coal Mines Bill, which represents the Government’s

plan for solving the problems of the coal industry, has been issued. Part 1 deals with many problems. Tt is proposed to regulate the production, supply and sale of coal, by means of a central concentrating scheme for the whole of Britain. The Bill contemplates that these schemes will be operated by the colliery owners themselves, and it is provided for the schemes being so framed as to ensure that, within reasonable limits, the quantity of coal offered for sale by any colliery, and the price charged for it, shall he in accord with the state of the current demand. The Federation of British Industries has sent a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr. MacDonald, urging that the Bill should not be rushed through Parliament. The letter points out that the industry as a whole has not been consulted, or given an opportunity to express its opinion, although industries were dependent for their existence upon plentiful supplies of coal, at prices which would enable manufacturers to compete with foreign products. The Mining Association has decided to refer the Bill to the district owners. It is understood that a majority of the owners is still unalterably opposed to a National Industrial Board and to a reduction in hours of work. Mr. A. J. Cook, secretary of the Miners’ Federation, speaking at Islington, said the Bill did not meet the miners’ desires, but it was the first real step toward the reorganisation of the industry, and the Miners’ Federation was giving the scheme all possible assistance. He added: “We have all made mistakes, the owners, the Governments, and the miners. Let us make amends quickly in a practical way.”