BRITISH COAL PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 307, 23 September 1926, Page 9

BRITISH COAL PROBLEM

DETERMINED TO FIND A SOLUTION GOVERNMENT AND MINERS CONFER DISTRICT SETTLEMENTS OPPOSED Though the executive of the Miners’ Federation, in its reply to Mr. Baldwin, rejected the proposal for district settlements, the latter displayed a desire to find a way out of the deadlock. By Telegraph.—Press association. Copyright. London, September 21. The executive of the Miners’ Federation has considered the Government’s proposals, and has replied to Mr. Baldwin rejecting district settlements. The executive also issued a statement saying that the Government’s policy has created a grave situation, likely to prolong the dispute, the acceptance of winch would involve an entire surrender of the national agreements, which both the Royal Commission and Mr. Winston Churchill, on August 8, accepted as essential. The suggestion that district negotiations would accelerate a settlement was without foundation. lhe executive does not desire useless recriminations, but if the stoppage is prolonged by an attempt to enforce district agreements the responsibility will be the Government's.

The executive repeats that it is prepared to negotiate for a national agreement, aiming at the reduction of costs, but refuses to be coerced into the acceptance of the unjust terms dictated. Such a settlement would be insincere and short-lived. lhe miners are entitled to insist upon protection by means of a national organisation, which, experience has shown, is alone able to protect them. (Rec. September 22, 7.10 p.m.) London, September 22. Apparently the Government and the miners are at last determinedly seeking a way out of the coal deadlock. The miners’ letter to Mr. Baldwin yesterday was accompanied by a message indicating the executive’s readiness to meet the Government, The letter is admitted to be a closely-reasoned document, in striking contrast to the usual communications emanating from tlie same source. It was, says the “Daily Express,” drafted by the Oxford economist, Mr. R. H. Tawney, who presented the miners’ case before the Coal Commission.

The letter received prompt attention. The whole of the executive went to Downing Street at 9 o'clock at night. Mr. Baldwin, who was accompanied by Mr. Churchill, Sir Arthur SteelMaitland, and Colonel Lane-Fox, preferred to see only four officials, Messrs. Smith, Cook, Richards, and Richardson, with whom they conferred until 1 o’clock in the morning.

An official communique says the discussions between the Government and the miners will be resumed to-day. Owing to the late hour of the breakup of last night’s meeting little information is available as to what transpired, but the "Daily Express” says the conversations brought the miners nearer to a temper

for settlement than since the stoppage. On the other hand the "Daily Herald” says the Government showed more signs than previously of being disposed to a reasonable settlement. It understands that Mr. Baldwin discussed the resumption of work on the basis of a 20 per cent, minimum percentage, against 33 1-3, coupled with a firm undertaking to carry out the Coal Commission's recommendation, and a guarantee of arbitration on the points of difference, the arbitrators being the Commissioners. k (Rec. September 23, 1.30 a.tn.) London, September 22. Mr. Baldwin’s conference with • the miners lasted four hours It is considered to be hopeful of resuming today. NATIONAL BOARD TO BE SUGGESTED (Rec. September 22, 7.35 p.m.) London, September 21. The miners’ executive began a conference with the Cabinet committee at 9 o’clock to-night, to discuss the possibility of bridging the difference between Mr. Baldwin’s and Mr. Churchill’s proposals. The executive intends to suggest that a National Board might be set up simultaneously with the return to work, in order that the miners might know where they are.