29 NOVEMBER 1935, Page 19

[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]

SIR,—For 50 years I have been sufficiently interested in the lot of the coal miner to feel that Isis pay is not commensurate with the extremely hard work, discomfort, and risk of his calling. Recollecting information given to me during a coal 'strike by 'a neighbour of mine who was Secretary to a very large distributing combine, I ask this question. Is it not possible that the losses which appear with many of the collieries are more than recovered by the profits of the distributing com- panies in which they are largely interested ?--Yours faithfully,

• 6 Holborn Viaduct, London, RCA.

E. B. W. OLDHAM.