The Government issue exhortations, and Mr. Shinwell is working feverishly
to build up some permanent settle- ment on the foundations of this temporary truce. He is even getting the backing of Mr. A. J. Cook and Mr. Tom Richards of South Wales, the President of the Miners' Federation. But the prospects are anything but bright. In Scotland, where the mineowners demanded a reduction in- wages in addition to the spread-over, negotiations have broken down completely. A strike affecting most of the districts began on Monday. seems likely when we write to extend to Ayrshire, where work is proceeding on the basis of day-to-day contracts. When. the Federation meets again (after we have: gone to press) it may decide once more against the spread- over, If so, the decision may be accompanied by a proposal for a sympathetic strike in support. of the Scottish miners. On the showing of the last - few days the coal industry is certainly not fit to -manage its own affairs, but it' will need a much stronger Government than the present to set matters right. There must bo national co-operation before it will be possible- to seek the international co-operation which is finally necessary.
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