DEBATE IN THE COMMONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 October 1920, Page 5

DEBATE IN THE COMMONS.

BEACE NEGOTIATIONS STAKTED. EMBARRASSED BY RAILWAYMAN. KeceiTed Oct. 22, 11.20 p.m. London, Oct. 22. The House of Commons talked out a Labor motion drawing attention to the growing unemployment and demanding Government relief schemes. Coalitionists loudly cheered General Page Croft's advice to the Premier to go to the country if the triple alliance carried out its strike threats. Sir iDonald Mac Lean (deputy Liberal Leader) deprecated the incident as provocative. The Premier statetl that, in accordance with its promise made on the 10th Inst., the Government had begun carefully to prospect the ground with a view to a further conference between Ministers and the mine-owners. It was necessary to proceed cautiously, because there was nothing worse than an abortive conference. The Government had engaged in discussions with leading Labor members of the. House of Commons, which were progressing, but the railway executive's precipitate action had enjbarrassed the negotiations, adding very seriously to the dßiculties. The negotiations had not broken down, and he hoped they would be resumed, but It would have been better if they had TlSen left to the miners alone.

Mr. J. H. Thomas denied that the miners said anything in aggravation of the situation. On the contrary, they had been conciliatory and" had appealed to the Premier not to allow the railwaymen's decision to prevent a continuance of the negotiations.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

A REPORTED offer. MORE PAY ON CONDITIONS. Received Oct. 22, 9.30 p.m. ' 'London, Oct. 22. sir Joseph Hewitt, of the Coal Controller's Department, states it is believed Mr. Lloyd George will agree to give the miners the two shillings immediately on the condition tnttt if the Increased output is not forthcoming in v month the 2s should come off. This Ihonld appeal to all parties as a husiaestlllte and sportsmanlike offer.—Aus.ft.Z. Cable Aissn.