COAL CRISIS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 July 1919, Page 5

COAL CRISIS.

THE INCREASED PRICES.

DUE TO REDUCED OUTPUT. CONFERENCE OP MINERS AND EMPLOYEES TO BE HELD. By Telegraph.—P.-ess Asm.—Copyright. Received July 15, 9.30 pm. London, July 14. The coal crisis debate attracted a large attendance in the House of Commons. "TJhe Government issued an urgent whip to members. Sir Auckland Gcddes said the increase in the price of coal was not based on political motives. It was solely due to reduced output. One faotor was insufficient transport, following on the railwaymen's eight hours a day. "Tin? outstanding fact is that The country's work is notlbeijijj done. Profoujnd and sudden industrial changes are causing widespread disturbances, even outside tlip trades in which'the changes are introduced. National effort is necessary to increase the coal output, which is a vital necessity. The subsidy derived from the export profits are falling daily, If they disappear the price must rise another 16d."

Sir Auckland Geddes added they must also face rises in prices of coke, pig-iron, steel, spelter, gas, electric power, raik and ship plates. The crisis was grave, because it threatened the export, trade, wherein America was ,a serious competitor, offering long term coal contracts, which Britain must copy, thus reducing the price. Otherwise outward bound ships would have to take ballast. "If wo hoped to pass through the dark and nuxions duvs ahead we must endeavor to renew the spirit prevailing during the war. The blame would fall on those who were not doing their best to incrense production."

Mr. W. Brade (Labor member for Monmouth), described Sir Auckland Geddts' speech as "most depressing." It constituted the strongest condemnation of the Government's policy in failing to take the House of Commons into its confidence and asking its co-operation. Mr. Brace urged the Government tn delay the imposition of the increase, and to confer with the miners and owners with, a view to increasing the output, The miners would have greater faith in the Government jf it carried out the Sankey report. The miners believed nationalisation was the key to the situation.

Interrupting Mr. Bonar Law. Mr Brpcc said if the Government would withMd putting the 0s impost into operation the miners would <-o-operate With the Government in trying to increase the output. Mr. Bonar Law replied that if the miners would give an undertaking that there would he no stoppage of work for three months, the Government would be inclined to defer the increase Meanwhile the price would not!" be increased until Monday, allowing the conference with the minerq on Thuradav to consider the matter.—Aus.-N./. Cable Assn.

GOVERNMENT GRAVELY CONCERNED. Received July 10, fi.s p.m. London. .Tnlv 14. In the House nf Commons, Mr. Bridge• mnn said the Government was gravely concerned at the increase in the price of coa!. There was no hone of an alteration until the cost of production was reduced.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.