THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. ________________________________________________________________________________ January 4, 1918. 23 of 10 cwt. were allowed Is. 6d. per ton, those buying in bulk and selling to distributors of small quantities Is. per ton, while bag lorrymen whose annual turnover did not exceed 1500 tons were granted a maximum of Is. 6d. per ton. An allowance of Is. per ton was also granted to merchants selling in wagon loads to smaller merchants at roadside stations. The coal trimmers at Leith were granted an increase in wages of between 12s. and 15s. per week, and colliery boiler firemen an increase of 8d. per shift. Second Quarter. The situation in the first weeks of the second quarter showed no material alteration, and the general position was hardly satisfactory. Collieries depended chiefly on local requirements, and those in Fifeshire and the Lothians were considerably below supplies. Industrial demands were maintained, but there was a falling off in household requirements, whilst transport difficulties became manifest in the West of Scotland district. Collieries were blocked with wagons, both loaded and empty. It was customary at this season of the year for the collieries in the West of Scotland to export a considerable quantity of household sorts, but the absence of tonnage made that impossible at this period, and a large proportion of this fuel was thrown back on the market. Values continued to decline, and now showed a loss of between 3s. and 6s. since the begin- ning of the year. Collieries in Fifeshire were feeling the lack of tonnage more severely, local demands being much below the productive capacity of the mines. Idle time was very prevalent. About this time there was a recruiting campaign in the Lanarkshire district to stimulate the voluntary enlistment of miners. This campaign was conducted by Lieut. C. Rocks, who, before joining the Army, was a member of the executive committee of the Lanarkshire Miners’ Union. Good results were obtained. Towards the middle of June a movement was promoted among the Lanarkshire miners to raise the standard of compensation. It was resolved to take steps (a) to have the maximum weekly payment under the Workmen’s Compensation Act raised from £1 to 30s. per week in cases of disablement; (5) to secure a maximum of £400 and a minimum of £200 in cases of fatal accident; and (e) that in future _____________d _________, ____ _____ ______________ the father of any other dependant killed in the improvement so long as restrictions on shipments and course of his employment should be paid compen-z ----------------------x----------------------------x-------J mi 1 sation at the full rate. Repeated references were made at this time to the reduced coal output per man, which latterly induced a reply from Mr. Robert Brown, the secretary of the National Union of Scottish Mine Workers. He said that the output per man had certainly decreased from 451 tons in 1898 to 399 tons in 1913, but this was largely accounted for by the fact tha-t a large proportion of the thick seams had become exhausted and thinner seams were now being worked. Further, the workings now extended in some pits to three and three and a-half miles from the pit bottom, compared with half a-mile 15 years ago. Mine workers and miners’ officials had not opposed coal cutting or any other machinery, their attitude being merely to secure a fair price per ton. The latest Government returns showed that the number of coal-cutters at work through- out Scotland during 1915 was 535, while 15 years ago __________________________________________________________ they were a rarity. Mr. Brown also pointed out that the output of coal in 1914 was 38,847,362 tons, valued at £17.487.427, while that of 1915 was 35.596,856 tons, _________________________________________________________ valued at £21,817,302. a decrease of 3,250,506 tons and an nounced. In the West the industrial demand, which during the whole year was good, was maintained, but the redeeming feature was the large business on house- hold account. In the East, the position had gone from bad to worse, and lost time was a prominent feature, in spite of which stocks accumulated. In the month of October it was reported that the Scottish coal masters, on the representation of the Coal Controller, had agreed . to pay a minimurh wage of £4 per week to under- managers. Considerable difference of opinion was expressed by Scottish owners regarding the adequacy of the 2s. 6d. per ton increase in the price of coal which was imposed at this period. Many contended that though the increase might cover the latest rise in wages it was not sufficient to counterbalance the increased costs of production. Wages at this time were raised 6d. per shift, making the basis in Scotland 10s. per shift. Household coals were now selling in Glasgow and district at Is. lOd. to 2s. per cwt, an increase of 3d. per cwt. There was considerable distress in the east of Scotland, particularly in Fifeshire, owing to great prevalence of broken time, which may be gauged from the fact that many of the miners were only getting from two to two and a-half shifts per week, at 10s. per shift, making a return far below a living wage under present conditions. Many of the men left this district for the Cumberland iron ore mines, and it was proposed , to transfer others to districts where work was more plentiful. Trade in the West of Scotland was better for some time, owing to the fact that many of the industrial concerns were now taking their heaviest deliveries for the year, while household demands were also very large. Towards the middle of December the prices of coal for retail distribution in Glasgow were fixed as follow :— Black- band. d. 4 . 0 . STEEL SCRAP AND WROUGHT IRON JSCRAP. The Minister of Munitions announces, under date January 3, 1918, a modification in the General Permit for dealings in steel scrap and wrought iron scrap, and fixes the following maximum prices:— Steel Scrap. . Per ton. £ s. d. (а) Heavy steel melting scrap ............... 5 5 0 (б) Steel planings, turnings and borings _____....... 3 5 0 (c) Steel planings, turnings and borings mixed with wrought iron or other material..... 2 10 0 (d) All other classes of steel scrap, whether or not mixed with wrought iron or other material .............................. 4 15 0 Special permits to purchase steel scrap sold with guaranteed analysis may be granted on application, but in no case at prices exceeding the following.— Per ton. £ s. d. Heavy steel melting scrap containing not over *04 per cent, phosphorus and sub hur _____ 6 5 0 Heavy steel melting scrap containing not over *05 per cent, phosphorus and sulphur ..... 6 0 0 Wrought Iron Scrap. Wrought iron scrap of the classes defined or mentioned in (a), (6) and (c) below........ 6 5 0 increase in value of £4,329,875. In view of the announce- ment at the end of June that coal for consumption in the United Kingdom should be sold at maximum prices under the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act, it might be well here to quote the Scottish figures:—Steam coal, f.o.b. at Glasgow, 27s. 6d.; splint, 28s. to 30s.; ell, 26s. 6d. to 28s.; treble nuts, 23s.; doubles, 22s.; singles, 21s. per ton. First-class screened navigation coal, f.o.b. at Methil or Burntisland, 29s. to 31s.; unscreened, 24s. to 25s.; first-class steams, .28s.; third-class steams, 24s.; treble nuts, 23s.; doubles, 22s.; singles, 21s. per ton. Best steams, f.o.b. at Leith, 26s. 6d.; secondary qualities, 25s. 6d.; treble nuts, 23s.; doubles, 22s.; singles, 21s. per ton. The end of the first half-year found trade in an unsatisfactory condition, with little prospect of an improvement. Third Quarter. Markets during July were dull and disappointing. In* the west the outlook was not over bright in view of depleted demands, lower prices and increased costs, while in Fifeshire and the Lothians broken time was frequent. During July the Glasgow Corporation Gas Department placed contracts amounting to 180,000 tons at a slightly lower figure* than in 1916. Conditions showed no improvement throughout the month of August. The position in the east was relieved now and then by fair shipments to French and Italian destina- tions, but generally speaking supplies were much in excess of requirements. The coal distribution scheme promoted about this time was expected to benefit trade, but it was found that a considerable amount of readjustment was necessary before the scheme could assume proper working order and the first effect was more unsettling than anything else. In fact, the first impressions were decidedly antagonistic, much dissatis- faction being occasioned by the regulation confirming the distribution of coal to . districts. For instance, manufacturers in the South of Scotland who formerly drew their supplies from North of England collieries would have to arrange for coal from their nearest Scotch depot, thereby entailing much larger railway carriage. Representations were made on the subject, and the reply stated that no departure could be made from the general principle. Therefore no coal would be imported from England to Scotland by rail. A strike of colliery enginemen was threatened in September, but was averted by a grant of Is. 3d. per shift rise in wages granted by the Coal Controller. To the end of the quarter industrial demands were the chief feature with household sorts showing an improving tendency. Fourth Quarter. Business throughout the concluding three months of the year showed similar conditions to those pertaining in the} preceding quarter, though, perhaps, more.,* pro- (a) Wrought iron plates, boiler plates, and sectional material not less than f in. thick, each piece separate, reasonably clear of rivets, without any flanged end pla* es or circular angles and plates, all suitable for shearing, cable scrap and chain scrap not less than | in. diameter. (b) Heavy wrought iron scrap, not less than | in. thick including horseshoe^, rivet and bolt scrap, scrap from the manufacture of rivets and bolts, and chain scrap not less than | in. diameter, (c) Wrought iron scrap under i in. thick, including country wrought iron scrap, and all wrought iron scrap not included in any of the classes defined in clauses 5,6 or 7. Per ton. Wrought iron scrap, mixed with steel or other £ s. d. material....................................._____ 4 15 0 Wrought iron planings, turnings and borings mixed with steel or other materials....... 2 10 0 Ell. Parlour. Kitchen. s. d. s. d. s. d. 36 8 ... 35 0 .. 33 4 33 4 ... 31 8 .. . 30 0 1 11 ... 1 10 .. . 1 9 0 ... 1 11 ... 1 s. One ton, in bags ..... 35 One ton, loose ....... 35 Less than one ton, from lorries, per cwt...... One ton from rees (yards), per cwt..... The end of the year unsatisfactory condition, with little likelihood of an 2 0 ... 2 arrived 1 ... 2 with trade still io in an the scarcity of tonnage continue as at present. Though certain ports have managed to maintain their export returns, notably at Ayr, where the figure reached over 1,000,000 tons for the first time in the history of the port, the aggregate shipments show a decrease of 1,471,527 tons, the total returns amounting to 7,387,693 tons, compared with 8,859,220 tons in 1916. How much the situation in Fifeshire and the Lothians was affected by the loss of the export trade will be seen by the returns from these districts. In the former district shipments are down 1,259,095 tons, and in the latter 647,765, making an aggregate of 1,906,860 tons. West of Scotland collieries, on the other hand, show a gain of 435,335 tons. Conditions may not improve with the present year, but the chances are more in that direction than otherwise. (Continued on page 30.) PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE. The prices of wrought iron scrap and mixed scrap may be arranged between buyer and seller, but may not exceed £6 5s. per ton for classes defined under (a), (b) and (c) £4 15s. per ton for mixed scrap, and £2 10s. per ton for mixed turnings. The above prices do not apply to old wrought iron railway carriage and wagon axles, shafting 2 in. diameter and upwards and similar heavy pieces suitable only for direct forging or rolling down and not for piling, nor to scrap from the following brands of Yorkshire iron :—Lowmoor; Farnley; Monk- bridge; Taylor Brothers; Bowling; Cooper Brothers. All the above prices are free on rail or in barge. A sum not exceeding 2J per cent, may be added in in the case of sales by recognised scrap merchants. Carriage on steel scrap may be charged at actual cost, oi' at a fair average agreed rate up to a maximum of 10s. per ton. The prices for wrought iron scrap if selected, loaded in and delivered from yards used as scrap yards at the date hereof by recognised scrap merchants, may be increased:— Per ton. s. d. Where carriage] to buyer’s works do not exceed HOUSE OF LORDS.—January 3. Coal Mines Control. The House went vnto Committee on the Coal Mines Control Agreement' (Confirmation) Bill, the Earl of Kintore in the chair. The Earl of Plymouth moved an amendment to clause 1 (confirmation of agreement), in order to exclude from the scape of the agreement any part of the undertaking of any coal mine owner other than the coal mine. The Lord Chancellor said it was quite true that the Solicitor-General in another place promised to consider whether any words could be found to meet the case, but the matter had been carefully considered, and no satis- factory form of words had been found. The Government could not accept the form of words now proposed, but they were prepared to give further consideration to the matter. The amendment would go too far, and would make a most serious inroad upon the terms of the agreement, which clearly defined an undertaking to mean “ the whole of the undertaking of the owner of a coal mine which is for the time being under control of the Controller—except such parts as are controlled establishments within the meaning of the Munitions of War Acts, or are under the control of the Controller of Shipping. The power of exemption from control given by the agreement would be carefully exercised by the Controller. The amendment was withdrawn. The Earl of Plymouth moved the following new clause: “ Nothing in this Act shall be deemed,to deprive the owner of any coal mine who is entitled to a percentage standard under the Act of his right to retain in respect of any accounting period any profits which he would be entitled to retain under the Act, so far as such profits are not in excess of his percentage standard thereunder plus £200.” He said there were cases of collieries which had no pre- war profits. Yet they were obliged to accept a war-profit standard which would take away not only excess profits, but all other profits. He protested against the action that had created the position in which colliery proprietors were placed, a position much worse than that of the leaders of other great industrial concerns. It was not fair that the method of calculating excess war profits should be based on a pre-war standard, when there were collieries that had made no profits before the war, and whose profits during the war resulted from the amount of capital spent in pre- war times in enlarging the undertakings. The Lord Chancellor, in resisting the amendment, declared that to make the alteration proposed would be to upset the whole arrangement arrived at between the Coal Owners’ Association and the Controller, and he reminded the mover of the amendment that in the other House it was ruled that any alteration of the agreement would be out of order. The amendment was withdrawn. The remaining clauses were agreed to, and the Bill was reported to the House. The Lord Chancellor announced that it was proposed to take the further stages of the Bill on Thursday next. 3s. per ton... ............................. by 10 0 Where carriage to buyer’s works exceeds 3s. per ton __________.................................__ by 7 6 If sheared and cut up ready for piling .... by 15 0 All communications with reference to the Order (C 6091) should be addressed to:—The Controller of Steel Production (Room 381), Ministry of Munitions of War, Whitehall-place, London, 8. W. 1. _______________________ IMPORTATION OF PIT PROPS FROM SCANDINAVIA. BOARD OF TRADE ANNOUNCEMENT. The Controller of Timber Supplies announces that he is now prepared to consider applications for import licences for pit props from Scandinavia, subject to restrictions similar to those applying to sawn timber, with a view to recommending them to the Department of Import Restrictions. Applications must be made, in duplicate, on forms to be obtained from the Assistant Controller of Timber Supplies, Branch 1, Caxton House, Westminster, S.W. 1. _____________________________ Five hundred miners at Bolsover, Glapwell, and Mark- ham collieries refused to work on Wednesday owing to train alterations made by the Midland Railway Company. A conference was arranged between the representatives of the collieries, the railway company, and the Derbyshire Miners’ Association. Coal Prices in Italy.—The High Commissioner for Italy, in a published letter relating to coal supplies, states that certain quantities of coal, furnished by the British Admiralty on special steamers hired at requisition rates, cost the Italian Government, including freight, but exclud- ing war risk, 50s. 6d. per ton; but to this figure must be added war risk insurance, which averages 70s. per ton. The quantity of coal at this figure represents only between a quarter and a third of the total quantity of coal sent, to Italy. The British coal transported to Italy costs, c.i.f. Italian ports, as follows: Transported on requisitioned steamers, 120s.; transported on neutral steamers, 240s. or 367s.; transported on British chartered steamers, 155s. The New Tin Restrictions.—With reference to the addi- tion of tin to Regulation 30b of the Defence of the Realm Act, the following particulars are given for general infor- mation : (1) The regulations do not apply to purchases made outside the United Kingdom until the metal reaches this country. (2) Export orders and sales to Allied or neutral countries through authorised channels are deemed to be consumers’ orders. (3) It is permissible for merchants, warehousemen, and retailers to replace metals sold after the 21st instant by the purchase of an equivalent quantity of the same metal and not more, although the metal so purchased may not be the metal actually delivered against the sale. (4) Consumers may buy for their own consumption only.