HC Deb 30 November 1916 vol 88 cc474-5
75. Mr. ALDEN

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has yet considered the advisability of the taking over of the South Wales mines by the State in order to eliminate war profits, to avoid industrial disputes during the War, and to secure the best results from the labour of the miners?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. As my hon. Friend will have seen, a Regulation has been made empowering the Board of Trade, so far as they consider necessary for the national safety and the defence of the realm, to take possession of coal mines, either generally or in any particular area. The Board of Trade have already made an Order applying the Regulation to the coal mines in South Wales and Monmouthshire as from to-morrow, in the confident belief that this action will secure the advantages set out in my hon. Friend's question.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Is it intended, under this arrangement, that the coal owners should be guaranteed a fixed profit and that any increased wages will be borne by the general community?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I cannot make any statement at the present moment as to the financial arrangement that will be arrived at.

Mr. ANDERSON

When will the right hon. Gentleman be able to make a statement with regard to that?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

At the earliest possible moment.