BRITAIN’S MINERS DETERMINED TO SECURE SECURE COAL TARGET

Grey River Argus, 3 May 1947, Page 5

BRITAIN’S MINERS DETERMINED TO SECURE SECURE COAL TARGET

GENEVA, May 1. If the five-day week in the British coal-mining industry did not lead to increased production, “we shall consider the position,” said the general secretary of the Mine Workers’ Federation, Mr Arthur Horner, addressing a plenary session of the LL.O. Coal Committee. He added that the introduction of the five-day week would theoretically reduce Britain’s coal output by 18,000,000 tons yearly. "If this- were true it would be catastrophic. We are determined to secure the necessary target of 22'0,000,000 tons yearly in an organised five-day week.” Britain wanted the extra 20,000,000 tons for export, he added. LONDON, May 1. Sir' S. Cripps, in the Commons, said summer coal allocations to industry would equal the amount, use’d in the summer of 1946. The Government was deliberately taking considerable risk in maintaining supplies at this level. Firms would have to build up three weeks’ winter allocation, whether or not a reserve was held.