THE TWO PARTIES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19580, 3 June 1926, Page 7

THE TWO PARTIES

LABOUR CRITICISM LEVELLED AT MINISTERS BALDWIN’S SPIRITED REPLY. Received June 2. 10.30 p.m. LONDON, June 1. f A' debate on the coal deadlock was initiated in the House of Commons by Air Ramsay MacDonald. He emphasised that the situation was fraught with grave national peril The House must endeavour to make some practical contribution to the solution. Mr MacDonald criticised the Government’s handling of the crisis, especially the withdrawal of the subsidy. He declared that money must be found to put the coal industry on its legs. The problem which future Governments would have to face would be that the only complete form of co-or-dination of the coal pits was national isation. Mr Lloyd Georg° urged the Government to introduce forthwith legislation for the reconstruction of the coal industry. Prime Minister Replies. Mr Baldwin said he was willing to resume negotiations at any moment, but he was not willing to pledge the taxpapers’ money indefinitely to sup port this one industry, nor would he be forced by the stoppage to take political control of the mines. Whatever settlement was ultimately reached probably some Government assistance would be necessary. The Government was prepared to do that, but pending i settlement he wa< unable to say what ;he form or the amount of the assistance would be. Uselessness of Compulsion. No Government, said Mr Baldwin, could compel a settlement, but the moment there was the first glimmer of a temper for negotiations the Government would do its best to assuage the differences and asperities, see fair play ind undertake any necessary legislaion.

MUST SETTLE DISPUTE ’ DEBATE ON COAL DEADLOCK GOVERNMENTS POLICY STATED Tn order to discuss the coal deadlock in the British House of Commons the Labour Party moved a reduction in the Mines Vote. The result was to draw from the Prime Minister a very clear statement of the Government's views. It is willing to assist the industry, but not indefinitely. It is also willing to do everything possible to promote peace, but awaits a sign that the parties are ready to resume negotiations. There is no suggestion of a further conference, and one of the miners' officials denies a rumour that they are making overtures for peace. By Telegraph— Per Press Assn.— Copyright.

Primarily, the Prime Minister added, the future depended on the statesman- . ship of the two parties to the dispute, for no force imposed on reluctant men could bring lasting peace. Labour Defeated. The Labour amendment, to reduce the Ministry of Mines vote, on which the debate arose, was defeated by 252 1 votes to 108. ; Mr Snowden said he had never listoned to a speech with such hopelessness and despair as when he heard the Prime Minister. Mr Snowden expressed the opinion that the solution of the deadlock was action by the Government itself. PEACE MOVES NOT FROM THE MINERS MR (WK GIVES DENIAL Received June 2. 10.30 p.m. LONDON, June 1. j Mr took discredits the rumoured peace moves as far as the miners are •oncerned. ASCOT THREATENED RACING MAY CEASE EMBARGO ON PETROL EXPECTED Received June 2. 10.30 p.m. LONDON, June 1. The “Daily Telegraph” states that unless the coal strike is settled the Asi cot race meeting is unlikely to take • place. It is even possible that railing ' will stop earlier. It is understood the ' Government proposes placing an cmi bargo on all petrol.