COAL AT HOME.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 December 1919, Page 5

COAL AT HOME.

CO-OPERATION WITH THE MEN THE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.- Coprr'ght. Received Dec. 1, 5.5 p.m. London, Nov. 28. In the House of Commons, opening -the coal debate, Mr. W. Brace (Labor M.P.) moved for the appointment of a Select Committee to enquire into coat control and the position of the coal industry in regard to selling prices, profits, the cost of production, and the output. He complained that the Government refused to co-operate with the miners, who were driven to despair by the blunders of the Coal Department. He attributed the shortage in the output to the lack of development by the owners, and the lack of transport. The miners' solution was nationalisation, but they were prepared to co-operate in any system to secure larger production. Replying, Sir Auckland Geddes (President of the BoaTd of Trade), said the suggested committee was not desirable, because it would not be an expert one. The Government had nothing to conceal, but it objected to the committee, because it wanted to get on with the job. The controlling factors in the situation were mainly outside this country. In October, the industry showed a deficit of £9,000,000. A small proportion of coal which was exported was bringing tremendous profits, but the large proportion, which was consumed inland, was making a loss. It was anticipated that the above deficit would be paid off by December, and that there would be a profit of £17,000,000 at the end of the financial year. This estimated the surplus being used lo reduce domestic prices. He defended this policy on the ground that the money could not be devoted to a better object than that of reducing the cost of living; because a further rise must lead to new demands for higher wages, so perpetuating the vicious circle of the increasing cost of living. The present wages, if continued, would strangle the industry in the country. Referring to the resignation of the miners' representatives on the Advisory Committee on the ground of not being consulted, Sir Auckland Geddes said he thought it was not desirable *o consult them recently, but if they were prepared to co-operate in the spirit in which Mr. Brace had just spoken, they would be a welcome assistance. The motion was defeated by 254 votes to 59.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.