THE COAL CRISIS

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 98, 26 April 1921, Page 7

THE COAL CRISIS

ANOTHER MEETING

THE OWNERS' STATEMENT

PROPOSALS FOR A DURABLE

SCHEME.

(UKITID PRISS ASSOCIATION.—COPIRIGHT.)

UvaritAUAN • nbw ir.Ai.AMD ami aiiociation.)

(Received April 26, 9 a.m.)

LONDON, 25th April.

The representatives of the owners, miners, and the Government again conferred, Sir R. E. Home (Chancellor of the Exchequer) presiding in Mr. Lloyd George's absence. The conference adjourned until to-morrow, when Mr. Lloyd 'S'Jorfre will preside.

(Received April 26, 9.30 a.m.)

LONDON, 25th April

The coal conference considered the owners' proposals, in which the- proposal for a durable scheme stipulates that wages shall depend upon the industry's ability to pay,., that the coalfields be divided into agreed areas; that standard wages and standard profits should be a first charge on the industry, and thereafter the surplus divided between the owners and the men.

The proposals for a temporary arrangement during the transition period suggest that for three months the wage ' reductions should be uniform in each area, the owners not taking any profits if they result in a reduction of wages below the maximum fixed by the monthly statement. The owners suggest that the Government shall fix the maximum in consultation with both parties, the Government, where necessary, to make a contribution to any area to prevent a reduction when the profits ha.ye been absorbed for that purpose. After the 31st July the-wages paid should depend solely upon the ability to pay. wages in August to be calculated on the basis of the June results.