VITAL TO THE ISSUE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 35, 10 February 1926, Page 9

VITAL TO THE ISSUE

COAL COMMISSION'S REPORT.

(Australian-New Zealand Cable Assn.) (Received 10th February, 10 a.m.)

LONDON, 9th February. The "Daily Express" makes concrete suggestions as to the expected report of the Coal Commission. It will include a pr-,.05al thdt careful consideration should be given by the Government to State acquisition, by purchase, of all mining royalties. The Commission will find that no tangible ca|e has been made out for an increaco in the working hours of men underground. The present hours at the coal face are long enough. The electrical power development scheme jhould be linked up, with extensions.

The Mining Commission does not offer a plan to meet the end of the present subsidy, but will apparently favour a modified subsidy being continued. The existing day rate paid to pit workers does not admit of any reduction. Pit grouping, for the better organisation of the industry, should be made imperative. Many mine'owners pay insufficient attention to by-pro-duct industries. Wages should be on a national basis' with local adjustments in piecework rates. Unprofitable pits must be closed and a modified.subsidy might be given to pits on the border-line, of profit-mak-ing. The "Daily Express" says that Mr. Baldwin is favourable to the continuation of a limited subvention after May, but Mr. Churchi'l, the Earl of Birkenhead, and- Sir William Joynson Hicks oppose it.