Mine-owners themselves admitted, said the Premier, that tho whole industry
required reorganization. There was a very bitter fooling about the housing question. That did not surprise him, for the conditions in some quarters were degrading. He asked for a Statutory Commission, whose terms of reference would include
" any scheme which may be submitted to or formulated by the Commissioners for the future organization of the coal industry. whether on the present basis or on the basis of joint control, nationalization, or any other basis ; the effect of mining royalties and wayleaves upon the industry ; the effect of the proposals under the above heads upon the development of the coal industry and the economic life of the country."
The Commission would report on wages and hours of labour on March 31st, or earlier if possible. Mr. Justice Sankey had consented to act as Chairman ; and he had an intimate know. ledge of the coal trade. The composition of the Commission would depend largely upon the decision of the miners to take part in its work or to appear only as witnesses. A precipitate strike would be ruinous, and might deprive us of the fruits of victory ; an impartial inquiry might be expected to provide a Miners Charter. Nationalization must he discussed as a business proposition, from the national point of view.
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