§ Mr. CLYNES(by Private Notice) asked the Leader of the House whether, in view of the fact that the Miners' Federation have not accepted the offer of the Government, the addition to the price of coal will take effect on Monday, as stated by the Leader of the House?
§ Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)Yes, Sir. I have now received official confirmation that the Miners' Federation has not accepted the offer of the Government, and in these circumstances the addition to the price of coal will, as I stated in the Debate, take effect on Monday next. Perhaps I might be permitted to add that, as I see from the reports of the proceedings, the promise given by the miners' representatives in this House, and by my right hon. Friend the Member for Abertillery (Mr. Brace), that not only would they support the acceptance of the offer of the Government, but would recommend it, has been amply fulfilled.
§ Mr. CLYNESIn view of the conditions attaching to the decision of the Miners' Federation, is there not, as between the position of the miners and that of the Government, some further ground for negotiation with the possibility of reaching a more satisfactory settlement?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Government have never precluded the opportunity for negotiation, and will not do so now, but that does not alter the fact that in our view the delay in making the coal price equivalent to the cost would be fatal.