18 FEBRUARY 1938, Page 3

Political Notes Our Parliamentary Correspondent writes : The House concluded

the Committee stage of the Coal Mines Bill at 7.30 on Monday. A good many members who do not sit for mining divisions hope it may be some time before we have to deal with the next stage of something which is far too difficult for them to understand. On the whole, the two Ministers in charge dealt competently, if not brilliantly, with the opposition of back-bench members opposite ; they were grateful for the expert assistance of the Attorney- General when they were attacked with greater precision by Sir Stafford Cripps ; and they were least happy when dealing with those on their own side who argued the opposing claims of coal-owners and public utility companies.

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