§ 63. Brigadier-General COCKERILLasked the Prime Minister (1) whether he is aware that on the 4th July, 1919, the President of the Board of Trade estimated that the reduction of output in the coal industry due to the reduction of working hours recommended by Mr. Justice San-key's Commission might well be more than 10 per cent.; and whether that estimate is accepted by His Majesty's Government;
(2) whether it is the considered view of His Majesty's Government that whatever else may lead to a shortage in the output of coal the reduction of hours proposed in the Coal Mines Bill cannot, have that effect?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI have been asked to answer these questions. The Government have accepted Mr. Justice San keys estimate of a decrease in output of 10 per cent, in view of the reduction in hours. It is impossible to say at this date what the actual reduction will be.