Hours of Work and Other Factors to be Considered London, July 22.
'A reduction in working. hours id the negotiation of a national greement are the outstanding issues on the agenda of the Miners Federation conference, which opened at Blackpool to-day In his presidential address Mr. Herbert Smith urged the nationalization of mines, minerals and by-products, He confidently anticipated a reduction of working hours during the present year. The Past year, he said, has been the worst on record with regard to comparative wages and short time, and he expressed the opinion that the time had come to approach the coal mine owners with a view to the conclusion of a national wages agreement.
Joly 23, In the House of Commons this afternoon, during question time, the! President' of the Board of Trade announced that legislation dealing} with hours of work and other factors: in the coal industry would be introduced during the autumn session. In the meantime, he said, the Government would regularly' consult the Miners Federation with regard to the terms of the legislation. The coal owners would also be invited constantly to consult with, the Government on the subject. Mr. Graham said he was unable to anticipate the precise terms of the Tegislation which would be introduced in the House; but, he added, there could be no question of a subsidy for the coal industry.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.