Meanwhile there is a great danger that while the -onlookers
arc waiting for a better mood in the coal industry—waiting naturally enough, for without consent there can be no real settlement—the very able work Of the Coal Commission will pass out of public attention and cease to be thought of as important. That must certainly not. happen. We hope that, as we have said several times, the Government will proceed with legisla- tion to implement the Report. However long the coal dispute may last it will not last for ever. The recon- stitution of the mines is indispensable and therefore legislation will be requirtd some time. If the necessary Acts were brought into existence they would almost certainly serve as a bridge. They would be ready when wanted. In 1912, when Mr. Asquith legislated in 'advance of consent, the legislation and the settlement in the coalfields suddenly fitted nicely together.
