Tndustrl.l Lotls

Mass Rally by Iiincworkors, Over 3,500 members of the National Union of Mineworkers from all parts of Britain took part in a mecting at Central Hall, Westminster, on November 7. The militant mood of the miners was set by national sec-~ retary, Will Paynter. He warned the government that the loyalty and support of the miners are rapidly reaching breaking point. The government coal demand figure of about 155m, tons in 1970 would mean displacing 135,000 men and closing down 173 pits. The prospect of a 120m. ton output in 1975 was nothing short of catastrophic. He said that this would ereate colossal social problems in the coal-mining communities which it was not in the power of the government to solve in the short time available. It is essential that pits be kept opon and men kept in work until the planned new industrial estates are functioning. About 80 M.P.s attended the demonstration and Mr. Paynter said the battle would be taken into the House of Commons. Miss Jennie Lee, chairman of the Labour Party, was constantly interrupted during her speech and there were shouts when she said she thought the present industrial revolution could be carried out with the utmost consideration for the working men and their families. The meeting carried a resolution calling for a period of stability and said the government must provide a suitable climate of confidence by underwriting the industry at about its present level, onsure that maximum use was made of coal, assume the total social cost of concentration and suspend payment of the Coal Board's remaining liabilities. The government should also cnsure that oil, natural gas and nuclear power would replace imported rather than indigenous fuels. Vauxhall Workers ittack National Executive. After the national executive of the I’ational Union of Vehicle Builders refused to accept the election of Mr. Leary, chief negotiator in the recent dispute,as secretary of the Luton district committec local members threatened to tear up their wion cards. Arthur Leary was dismissed by the ececutive from his job as east Midlands areaorganizer on October 9. Two days later he was appointed Luton district secretary of the union and Played @ prominent part in representing I UVB members at the Vauxhall negotiations.