COAL MINES BILL

Southland Times, Issue 21717, 1 June 1932, Page 5

COAL MINES BILL

INDUSTRY IN BRITAIN LEGISLATION BEFORE COMMONS QUESTION OF HOURS (British Official Wireless.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Rugby, May 30. Moving the second reading of the Coal Mines Bill in the House of Commons, Mr Walter Runciman, President of the Board of Trade, said that in the present trade conditions a drop from the present day to a 7-hour day, which would become effective on June 8 unless the legislation was passed, was impracticable and ought not to be contemplated. _ Immediately the convention was ratified, however, by the seven countries concerned, the "l-hour day provided in the present Bill would at once revert to the Viperiod provided in the convention. _ In regard to wages, said Mr Runciman, the owners had a guarantee which would secure to the miners throughout the next 12 months the maintenance of rates at the present level. The Government had decided to introduce a Bill which provided that essential elements in the maintenance of prices, and therefore of wages, should continue for a period of five years. They should regard this as a means by which the coalowners would be able to maintain wages at the present. level.