A Coal Strike Prevented
On Thursday, December 4th, the extension of the Scottish coal strike was averted by the decision of the Delegates' Conference of the Miners' Federation to refer the spreadover of hours back to the districts for recon- sideration. It will be noted that though the Conference in effect revoked its former reckless and foolish decision it did not in terms accept the spreadover principle. Mercifully that did not matter. The outcome was that the miners were no longer prohibited from consenting to the spreadover as a substitute for a reduction of wages. The present illogical situation is technically a violation of the new Act. As the Prime Minister himself, however, earnestly advised the delegates voluntarily to postpone the hours clause for three months it may be imagined that the Law will wink at the violation. There was no other way out of the maze, and it is an ironical fact that this convenient exit had been provided by the Hglitie of Lords, which insisted upon introducing the permissive spreadover arrangement into the Bill in the face of abuse from the Government.
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