LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
RECONSTRUCTION OF THE COAL INDUSTRY
[To the Editor of the SPEcTATOR.]
SIR,—.The. one possible chance of this country pulling through is by the intensive cultivation of its basic industries, coal and iron. It must take its own washing in for a time until it is in a position, through the scientific reorganization of its industries, to be able to compete successfully in the world's markets. If the Government, twelve months ago, had arranged to expend the £20,000,000 it now proposes to pay as a dole to employer and employed in the coal industry in the erection of distillation plants in this country, the following would have resulted :— Orders for : (1) 300,000 tons of iron and steel.
(2) 120,000 tons of firebrick.
(3) Large quantities of electric equipment, piping, cement, etc. - .
Of the total cost of these plants at least £15,000,000 would be represented by wages, the greater portion of which would be paid to the iron and coal industries. After erection and completion there would always be employed in working these plants 15,000 men, and the quantity of coal required for distillation purposes would be 30,000,000 tons per annum, and a total annual wage bill of over 00,000,000.
The products of distillation would be :-
500,000,000 gallons of crude oil at 3d. per gall. 100,000,000 gallons of motor spirit at, 6d. per gall. 21,000,000 tons_ of. smokeless fuel at 20s. per ton.
In addition to this there would be a large volume of gas for power and lighting purposes, and as a result of this there would be a profit-of £5,000,000 per annum, consequently the money advanced could have been repaid to the Government by the coal industry over a period of ten years. Finally, at least £10,000,000 which would be expended in the purchase of oils from abroad would be retained in this country.—I am, •
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