* '* * * Mr. Baldwin went on to point
out that his proposals were " flatly rejected " by both sides. The owners had not only refused his scheme but had asked the Government to stand aside and let the two parties to the dispute fight it out. He was entirely opposed to Government inter- ference as a principle, but the policy of no interference could not possibly apply to a basic industry upon which the life of the country depended, particularly as the coal induStry did not seem to be able to get on without incessant squabbling. He' was still in touch with both parties and was ready to reopen negotiations at any moment. He was even prepared to go against the Report in continuing financial help. Much the best course was for owners and miners to come together eemse no solution that was compulsorily imposed by the Government was likely to bring peace.
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