It has long been manifest that the fortunes of our
coal industry could not be dissociated from those of the German and Polish industries. Owners and miners in all three countries would be in a much happier position if the cut-throat competition between them could be modified by international agreement ; but the stumbling block has been the disorganized condition of our coal trade, for which no central body could speak and act. Under the Act it is at least conceivable that the British industry as a whole will be able to discuss working :agreements with the coalowners of Germany and Poland. If this ideal is to be attained, we must be prepared to endure some temporary inconvenience, or even hardship, in some parts of the coalfields. Over-production of coal means not merely low prices and consequent wage disputes, as in South Wales at this moment, but also the congestion of sidings and general confusion in the transport and marketing arrangements, since the surplus coal cannot be stored at the pits. In a few months' time the Act ought to be working more smoothly.
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