COAL SHORTAGE

Grey River Argus, 19 May 1943, Page 4

COAL SHORTAGE

Canada’s Problem

NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED.

(Rec. 11.15) OTTAWA, May 18. The Prime Minister (Mr. . Mackenzie King) told the House of Commons that a national. emergency had been declared regarding coal production. He added that supplies were substantially below requirements and unless they were increased the war effort and the nation’s life and health would be imperilled. The Canadian press understands that the Government within a few days will be ordering . experienced miners to leave other, jobs and take employment in the mines. The order is' expected to apply to men in the Armed Forces.

The Prime Minister declared that unless immediate action is taken Canada faces the possibility of being four million tons short of her reuuirements next year. He said that the increased requirements of American and Canadian war industries had contributed to the seriousness of the situation.