On Friday last, Mr. Woods raised the favourite question of
the politically inept—the system of royalty-rents and wayleaves- in mines. They injured our great industries, and ought to be acquired by the State. Royalties in foreign countries were- less than here, and went into the pockets of the community as a whole. The masters were often unable to increase wages. because of the royalties. Mr. Asquith, in reply, referred to "the long and laborious investigations of a singularly able. Royal Commission " which unanimously reported against the proposal made by Mr. Woods. It would cost £150,000,000 to buy up the royalties. But when they had been bought up. they would have either to be recharged or else the taxpayer- would have to bear the burden. Still, the Government were not blind to the defects of the existing system, and would do what they could to put into operation the recommendation of- the Commission for remedying these defects. On a division, the resolution was lost by 107 votes (150 to 43).
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