HC Deb 02 May 1928 vol 216 cc1715-6
46. Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the fact that the coalowners are about to receive assistance in the form of the promised revision of industrial rates, he will call them to a conference for the purpose of ascertaining what steps they are taking to reorganise the industry?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by the suggestion of my Noble Friend.

Mr. LUNN

Supposing that relief is to be given in this manner to the whole of an industry which is now depressed and has hundreds of thousands of unemployed, does not the Prime Minister agree that something should be done by the employers to see that their businesses are put upon a proper footing?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Government are watching the whole situation. My Noble Friend the Member for Nottingham South (Lord H. Cavendish-Bentinck) desires me at this moment, apparently, to pick one industry out of the whole of the industries of the country, and to call a conference. I think I have not that faith in conferences which he has.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Is it not the second time that this industry is going to get money for nothing?

Mr. SHINWELL

Was not the main purpose of the Budget proposals in respect of rating relief to assist this particular industry? Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it judicious to provide any measure of relief unconditionally, and is not this a suitable occasion to induce the coalowners to put their house in order?

The PRIME MINISTER

The coal industry is an extraordinarily important one, but it must not think too much of itself. The Budget was designed to improve the condition of all industry.

Sir SAMUEL ROBERTS

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that in nearly all the coalfields of this country changes in the industry are being made now of an almost revolutionary character en the lines which the Noble Lord who asked the question seems to desire?

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is it not a fact that, notwithstanding all these revolutionary changes, the only people who are suffering are the miners, because of short time and low wages?