1 MAY 1926
The negotiations for the settlement of the coal dispute have broken down.
Sir Alfred Mond, in a statement to the Press on the coal crisis, suggests the reorganisation of the industry for more efficient production, the regulation of output to meet consumption, and a fair reduction of wages. To meet the cost of laying up the worst pits he proposes a levy on tonnage raised, contributions from the reduced wages, and assistance by the Government in the form of loans for re-equipment of collieries.
Lord Provost Sir William L. Sleigh has received intimation from Lord Stamfordham that the King and Queen are to take up residence in Holyrood from 5th to 12th July.
A statement on British foreign policy was made in London by Sir A. Chamberlain at the Women Unionists’ Conference.
Addressing Devon farmers, the Minister of Agriculture said we still imported too much farm produce, but to compete with the foreigner there must be adequate grading. If the industry wanted compulsory grading he would do his best to get Parliament to agree to it. A tax on imported barley would be a troublesome and costly matter.
The Earl of Oxford and Asquith spoke at Watford on Liberal land policy and the “Land Worker’s Charter.” He said that it was in improving the lot and the opportunities of the rural labourer, far more than by any other specific change, that they would find the key to the real revival of the greatest of our national industries.
Mr E. Ashmead-Bartlett, Unionist M.P., has resigned his seat in Parliament for Hammersmith, North.