The Fuel Debate
The agitation on the fuel question in the House of Commo over the fuel problem has calmed down wonderfully, and thoug the division on the new Bill has not taken place as these lin are written, it is clear that the opposition in the lobby, if an opposition there be, will hardly run into double figures. Sir Joh Anderson, in introducing the Bill, was addressing an acquiesc if not an enthusiastic audience, and even the most impassion critics of a rationing system were placated by the undertaking th the scheme, though ready for application (the advocates of system were equally placated by this) would not, in fact, be appli without a further discussion in the House. There has been reason able concession all round. Mr. Greenwood naturally reaffirme Labour's belief in the full nationalisation of the industry and i disappointment that a longer step in that direction had not bee taken, and Mr. Erskine-Hill, for the x922 Committee, atoned largel for earlier obduracies on the part of that body by pledging himse to give loyal support to a rationing scheme if, unfortunately, should later be proved necessary. The fact remains that mo coal must be produced and more coal saved. Voluntary restricti may do something in the latter direction, but it is hard to believ it can do enough. As to the control scheme, a great deal w depend on what it achieves. If it succeeds, public control w no doubt survive, and be extended. If the experience of the la war is repeated the problem of the coal industry will still prese itself, for an indefinite perpetuation of existing conditions is not be contemplated.
Previous page
