A month ago we pointed out that neither subventions nor
Commissions can bring back lost markets or create new ones. It is also certain that the public will not in present conditions put fresh capital into coal mines. But we do urge the colliery owners to struggle against the natural temptation to procrastination and torpor during the coming months. We beg them not to relax efforts to find markets and still more to keep up the efficiency of the pits and even to improve machinery, undeterred by fears that nationaliza- tion or other schemes may rob them of their fair return. There are risks for themselves, but let them take the risks for the country's sake, and, we hope, for their own benefit. Equally, we hope that the colliers will support their employers in the same spirit. The cost of the aubvention for August is estimated at £1,800,000.
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