On Monday the Conference passed resolutions in favour, of a
return to the miners' wages fixed in, the agreement Of 1924, a six hour day, and a guaranteed _ • . . . living wage.. This Policy applied to the Mines would, of course, drive.ineat of them finally into bankruptcy, and Mr.. Shinwell (who was Secretary for Mines in the Labour Government) discreetly pointed out that it would not be .possible Without a State subsidy. If a fresh subsidy were -given to the mines, however, with what plausibility Could it be withheld -from two or three other industries Whose condition is- as deplorable as that of the 'mines ? The doctrine that the State shOuld Miginent .wages aboVe the point which any industry can economically pay is a 'doctrine of demoraliza- tion. Fortunately there is ncit the lead chance that Mr. MacDonald or -Mr. Snowden would agree to it * * * *
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