THE SAFETY OF MINERS: ANC THER FALLACY OF NATIONALIZATION.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—IL is 'very important that those Liberals and Progressives who are sceptical of the policy of nationalization should devote some attention to the methods by which it is being promoted by the Labour Party. For instance, in their pamph- lets and speeches the miners' leaders are perpetually direct- ing attention to the heavy loss of life in the mining industry. I do not complain of this. By all means let everything pos- sible be done to ensure increased safety for the miner at his work. But when Collectivists suggest that greater safety would follow nationalization, it is time to enter an emphatic protest.
What are the facts? To-day the miners are entitled to appoint two " deputies " who can inspect the mine in their interests and direct the attention of the manager to any breach of the regulations protecting the safety of the men. If the manager prove recalcitrant, he can be prosecuted at a Polic Court and summarily dealt with; And if he still defies the Mines Regulations Act, he can be severely punished and removed from his position. Now observe : under nationaliza- tion that manager will be himself a State official, and, as Sir Maleolm Delevingne, of the Home Office, told the Coal Commission, any failures on his part will have to be depart- mentally dealt with, which means that, instead of the sum- mary prosecution and sharp punishment, he would receive a rebuke, more or less perfunctory, from his superior; no doubt after that lapse of time which is customary with those fortunate gentlemen who man our Civil Service. Which system, I ask, is likely to ensure the greater degree of safety
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