In spite of the magnitude of the problerris there was
none of the personal: heat :in the debate that had been expected, probably because everyone • was still under the profound sense of relief that a nine-months' breathing space had been won. The Prime Minister, in moving the grant of £10,000,000 " in subvention of wages "—" sub- vention of profits !" cried some Socialists—was quietly explanatory. He traced the history of the various coal disputes, and when he came to the situation of the last days of July he earnestly declared that an earlier intervention by the Government could not possibly haw.. prevented the deadlock. At the eleventh hour, therefore, only two policies were open—to accept a stoppage or to avoid it. He conceived it to be his duty to avoid it. Why, indeed, should he accept it ? Merely because a struggle Was bound to come some time ? Or because a pistol was being held-to his head'? If be had allowed that pistol to go off all trade would have been paralysed, indescribable sufferings would have been inflicted, and 264 first and last £100,000,000 would probably have been 264 lost to the nation. * * *
