SUDDEN HALT

Northern Advocate, 14 July 1925, Page 5

SUDDEN HALT

MINING INDUSTRY INQUIRY

COMMISSION PERSONNEL,

UNSATISFACTORY TO WORKERS,

(Received 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, August 12. Representatives 'of the miners and coal owners separately and privately discussed the proposed tei'ms of reference and personnel of the Commission of Inquiry concerning the coal industry. The general secretary of the Miners' federation, Mr. £.1' J. Cook, subsequently officially stated that it would command the confidence of all parties concerned —the public, the coal owners and the .miners—only if these parties were fairly represented in the personnel. A court composed of great lawyers and captains of industry with few economists and politicians would never 1 satisfy the working miner 3if they themselves were excluded. Mr. 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. He did not doubt that the Government would agree fully thereto. Mr. Cook added that the miners would see that the question of nationalisation came into the inquiry later. The miners resented the Mines Department views in regard to the personnel and terms of reference of. the commission. The result of a deputation later to the owners was not disclosed, but on leaving the members of the deputation looked very grave, Mr. Cook remarking that there was no agreement and no settlement.

The * deputation will report to the executive of- the Miners' Federation tomorrow morning.—Reuter.