“GREAT DELUSION”

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 75, 8 January 1949, Page 4

“GREAT DELUSION”

Britain’s Economic Difficulties NEED TO WORK FOR COUNTRY m.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright). (Rec. 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 7. “Because there is full employment and high wages people thihk they are well off. This is a great delusion. The hard fact is that we- are living in a fool’s paradise on outside aid,* said Field-Marshal Viscount Montgomery, proposing a toast to agriculture at the annual dinner of the Alton (Hants) branch of the National Farmers’ Union.

"When One studies the economic difficulties of Britain to-day with the need to stop the inflationary trend and to increase production there seems to me to be only one answer for everyone in every industry and occupation—and that is work and strength of mind to do more and better work without yet further increased wages. I do not believe there is any other cure for our problem. We were all prepared to die for our country in war and many did. Should we not all be prepared, to work for our country in peace? If enough people {realised this we would obviously work several hours a week longer.” Under the Government’s four-year plan the demand on agriculture was formidable and the objective was tremendous. “Production of adequate supplies of food lies in your hands. You want all the help arid support you can get from the Government. Given what you that direction I believe you will do it.”