58. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of his statement that Great Britain is in 2229 need of coal, as in spite of the increase in the number of miners since the War production is suffering owing to the miners' attitude, he will state on what grounds he attributes the present coal difficulty to the action of the miners; and whether any representations have been made to the men's organisations on the subject?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not know to what statement by the Prime Minister my hon. and gallant Friend refers. There are other causes, as well as lessened effort on the part of the men, which impede production of coal, among which may be mentioned shortage of machinery and material and difficulties of transport. The Prime Minister at a meeting with representatives of the miners some weeks ago made an appeal to them to take all means to increase production, and in particular to use their influence in any district where only ten days a fortnight are being worked to induce the men to increase the number of working days.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWPerhaps, if the hon. Gentleman wants an answer to that, it would be a wise thing to tell me what is the statement.