The spreadover, which provides temporarily for an eight-hour day for
eleven days in a fortnight (almost the same thing as a seven-and-a-half-hour day in the ordinary reckoning) may well remain in use for longer than the contemplated three months in all the districts which have hitherto worked an eight-hour day. It will remain, of course, till the marketing schemes come into being, and probably till the seven-hour day becomes due in June. At the Conference on December 4th the officials of the Miners' Federation advocated the only possible course with considerable courage, though they were greatly helped by the Prime Minister's strong recommendation. On Monday the Scottish miners returned to work on the spreadover terms with no reduction of wages. If the results are satisfactory to both sides in most of the districts there may be an amending Act. Mr. Shinwell has sensibly proposed a national conference to discuss the situation. It is most desirable, to make good use of the breathing space which has been afforded more by good luck than by good management.
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