IDLE MINES

Northern Advocate, 21 October 1920, Page 5

IDLE MINES

LLOYD GEORGE LOGIC.

SEEKING A SETTLEMENT

EQUITABLE TO EVERYONE

(Received 9.5 a.m.)

LONDON, Oct. 19

In the House of Commons Mr Lloyd George sa id that fche G'- overrment was anxious to have the miners' dispute referred to an impartial tribunal, not only because the miners' claims could thus -be fully considered but because it would produce a permanent settlement. Having regard to the interests of the nation as a whole the existing scheme of calculating wages was bad, because the miners' increased reward bore no reference to the output; indeed, higher wages had "hitherto resulted in a lower output. There was going to be an increase in the world output, causing a fall in prices. Inducement must be given to owners as well as to miners to promote th e industry's best interests. This should take she form of increased output.

Regarding th e proposed immediate temporary * concession the Premier asked what would happen if increase ed output were not obtained. Would the miners consent to the 2s being taken off? If they would not the strike would be .merely postponed and the Government would incur the blame of provoking a strike three months hence. Acceptance of the Brace proposal would be equivalent to complete concession of the minrrs demand. Th c Government was anxious to secure a settlement regarding owners as well as ■miners and unless such a solution -were found it would !be impossible to resist other claims of a similar nature The Government deprecated attempts to rush into temporary settlements. It was necessary in the interests of the ration, as a whole .to secure permanent settlements", doing justice to all parties, the miners and owners, the community and the whole industries of the country which were dependent on coal.—A. and N.Z.