COAL CRISIS

Evening Post, Volume CI, Issue 82, 7 April 1921, Page 8

COAL CRISIS

THE PUMPING CONDITION

MINERS CONSIDER IT UN-

NECESSARY

AN INVITATION TO DOWNING-

STREET,

(UNIVSD PRJSS ASSOCIATION. —COPIMOHI.)

(AUSTRALIAN-NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.)

(Received April 7, 2 p.m.)

LONDON, 6th April.

In the House of Convmons, after the resolution sanctioning the emergency regulations was agreed to, Mr. Lloyd George said that earlier in thie proceedings he had reported to the House that he had received letters from the Miners' Federation and the Mining Association, indicating that they were willing t,o come together and resume negotiations "Last night," said the Premier, "1 stated the conditions under which negotiations atone were possible, and I thought the House was general in agreement.' (Cheers.) One was that the Miners' Federation, should take the necessary steps to resume pumping, and also to save the- pit ponies." He much regretted that the miners had come to a> daci&ion which made it impossible for the negotiations to he resumed, unless the obstacle was overcome. The Miners' Federatior- had jnst communicated that it could not see its way to give instructions to resume pumping during the negotiations.

Mr. Lloyd George: "I can't believe that the view now expressed represents the final determination of the Miners' Federation; that while the people concerned are discussing a national settlement the mines shall be allowed to be gradually destroyed." Mr. Clynes, resuming, said the Prime Minister could be assured of the goodwill of the Labour Party in meeting both sides.

Later it was announced that Mr. Lloyd George had written to the miners asking them to meet him in the morning at Downing-street. Mr. Hodges states that the federation coasiders the jpndition regarding pumping unnecessary, and It ought .not to have been put in. The miners still desire a meeting.