12 SEPTEMBER 1925, Page 2

We hope that they will get quickly to work upon

their enquiry. Nothing is worse for any industry than prolonged uncertainty as to its future. The Coal Industry is confronted by nine months at any rate of uncertainty, during which great harm may accrue. Whenever the State interferes with commerce or industry those who are engaged in them face uncertain results of the interference, whether it be a Coal Commission or negotiations for a commercial treaty with Moscow; they are inclined to stop all new enterprise until they see whether they will gain by waiting for new conditions, or whether their enterprise will be made unprofitable after they are committed to it.

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