§ Mr. BOTTOMLEY(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to bringing about a solution of the present disastrous deadlock in the mining industry of the country, the Government will consider the question of summoning to the Bar of the House representatives to be nominated by the mineowners and miners, respectively, in order that, after hearing the case of each side, the House may at once pass such special legislation as may be necessary to enforce what it may consider an equitable adjustment of the dispute, fortified by the opinion of the chosen representatives of the people?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Government are anxious to probe every sugges- 28 tion which might lead to an amicable solution of this unfortunate dispute, but I am afraid it would not be practicable to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman remember that, in replying to the Noble Lord the Member for Hitchin (Lord R. Cecil) a few minutes ago, he said that one of the functions of the House was to instruct the Government as to its functions?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, and I certainly trust that within the next twenty-four hours the House will have a full opportunity of discussing the whole of this very difficult situation, because I fully realise the importance of getting every assistance in this crisis.
§ Sir D. MACLEANMay I ask the Prime Minister whether he intends to make a statement to the House to-day or to-morrow on the coal strike?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI shall shortly make an announcement to the House. Perhaps my right hon. Friend will put his question to me afterwards?
§ Mr. S. HOLMES(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines what steps were taken by the Board of Trade after the rising of Parliament on 24th March to end the deadlock which had arisen in the negotiations between the coalowners and the miners, and what steps the Department was now taking to bring an end to the present position at the earliest possible moment?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Bridgeman)I should be obliged if the hon. Gentleman would postpone that question until the whole matter can be discussed.
§ At the end of Questions—
§ The PRIME MINISTER(standing at the Bar of the House): A Message from the King, signed by his own hand.
§ Mr. SPEAKER read the Royal Message (all the Members of the House being uncovered) and it was as followeth:
§ "The Emergency Powers Act, 1920, having enacted that if it appears to His Majesty that any action has been taken 29 or is immediately threatened by any persons or body of persons of such a nature and on so extensive a scale as to be calculated, by interfering with the supply and distribution of food, water, fuel, light, or with the means of locomotion, to deprive, the community or any substantial portion of the community, of the essentials of life, His Majesty may, by Proclamation, declare that a state of emergency exists; and the immediate threat of cessation of work in coal mines having, in His Majesty's opinion, constituted a state of emergency within the meaning of the said Act:
§ His Majesty has deemed it proper, by Proclamation made in pursuance of the said Act and dated the 31st day of March, 1921, to declare that a state of emergency exists."
§ The PRIME MINISTERI beg to move, "That His Majesty's Most Gracious Message be taken into consideration to morrow."
§ Sir D. MACLEANMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether to-morrow will be the occasion for him to make a statement?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThere will be a Resolution under the Emergency Powers Act in this House and in another place. I have no doubt that a full statement will be made, probably by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir R. Home) to-morrow, and then there will be full opportunity for discussion. I think that would be the best occasion for clearing up all the questions.
§ Question put, and agreed to.