GOVERMENT TAKES OVER BRITISH COAL MINES

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 14255, 2 January 1947, Page 3

GOVERMENT TAKES OVER BRITISH COAL MINES

MR ATTLEE SAYS "NEW ERA BEGINS IN INDUSTRIAL AFFAIRS"

DIFFICULTIES FORSEEN OVER NEXT FEW MONTHS

PROBLEM OF SHORTAGES-GRAVE RESPONSIBILITY OF MINERS

London, January 1

The coalmines of Britain have to-day passed into public ownership, the first industrial transfer under the Government's socialisation programme. At a ceremony in London, the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. C. R. Attlee, said: "We begin a new era in industrial affairs. We have a difficult time to get through in the nest few months, but I believe the coal industry, while going from strength to strength, will continue to be the foundation of our industrial forces."

The Minister of Fuel, Mr Emanuel Shinwell, described the changeover of the coal industry from private to public ownership as "One of the greatest tasks ever undertaken by any organisation. This completed the organisation of the industry with the most modern equipment in a new atmosphere of friendly relations." He stated when referring to-the shortage of coal that the miners had a grave responsiblity to the nation. He declared "as an- honest fact" that Britain's coal exports were now down to vanishing point and one of the chief aims must be to restore them to normal.

To signify the changeover, Mr Shinwell presented a bound copy of the Mines Socialisation Act to Lord Handley. chairman of the National Coal Board, the new body was set up to control the mines on behalf of the public.

In reply Lord Handley said that the board members knew it was hoped to accomplish much and they would do their very best. . . ■