§ Commander Viscount CURZON(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the very serious developments of the negotiations with the miners, and the apparent probability of a miners' strike, he will at once take steps to stop the export and unnecessary consumption of coal throughout the country, until he is assured that the danger is over?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI need not assure my Noble Friend that the considerations raised in this question are not being neglected by the Government, but I cannot usefully make any statement on the subject at present. I should like to add one word in order to remove a 614 misapprehension which has appeared in the Press, and which might prove mischievous. I observe that some of the papers this morning stated that I had refused to meet the miners' leaders, but that is not in the least accurate. I should like to call attention to the fact that I wrote yesterday to tell them that if they desired to see me at any time this evening (that meant last night), I would be very pleased to receive them. I think it is important that that should be made clear, because the reports in the Press gave the impression that I was unwilling to meet them.
§ Mr. CLYNESWas not the right hon. Gentleman's statement to the miners to the effect that if he did see them it would not be possible to alter the decision which was reached, and will he say whether negotiations are still proceeding?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo. As a matter of fact I have their consent to the publication of the letters which would prevent any of these misconceptions appearing, and if the right hon. Gentle-man will read those letters he will see that what appeared in the Press is not in the least the statement which I made.
Mr. J. JONESIs there any truth in the report in the Press that the Government have made arrangements for the blockading of the mining districts?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAbsolutely none.
§ Mr. SWANIs there any truth in the statement that soldiers will be mobilised in various parts of the mining areas in the event of negotiations breaking down, and is that act likely to provoke more discontent?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI hope the House of Commons and the country do not accept these wild statements. They are very mischievous, and I am not at all sure that they are not deliberately intended to be so, in fact, I am convinced that they are. There is not a shadow of truth in them.