BRITISH COAL INDUSTRY

Evening Star, Issue 19019, 14 August 1925, Page 5

BRITISH COAL INDUSTRY

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY PERSONNEL DISCUSSED MINERS NOT SATISFIED. TreiS Aisociition—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, August 12. Representatives of tho minors and coal owners separately and privately discussed the proposed terms of reference and personnel of tlio Commission of Inquiry into the coal industry. Mr A. J. Cook (tlio minors’ secretary) subsequently stated officially that the court would command tho confidence of all tho parties concerned — the public, the coal owners, and tho miners—only if those parties were fairly represented in its personnel. A court composed of great lawyers and tlia captains of industry, with a few economists and politicians, would never satisfy the working miners if they themselves were excluded. Air Cook also stated that the provisional terms of reference were not wide enough. The Miners’ Federation intended that they should deal with every phase of coal production and distribution, including royalties, and it did not doubt that the Government would agree fully to this. Mr Cook added that the minors would see that the question of nationalisation came into the inquiry. Later in the day the miners expressed resentment of tho Mines Department’s views in regard to the personnel and terras of reference of tlio Commission. Tho result of the interview was not disclosed, but on leaving the members of the deputation looked the gravest, Air Cook remarking that there had been no agreement and no settlement. The deputation will report to the executive of tho Miners’ Federation to-morrow morning.—A. and N.Z. Cable.