COMMENT ON CUTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 12, 25 October 1949, Page 3

COMMENT ON CUTS

SITUATION NOT BEING MET INSPIRATION LACKING (N.Z.P.A.— Copyright) (Rec. 11 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 24. Commenting on Mr Attlee's speech, the Federation of British Industries stated to-night that industrialists would regret the ab- . sence from the statement of any reference to a reduction in taxation. \

“It is only when there to an increase in incentive at all levels of those engaged in industry that we shall obtain maximum production and the supply of goods that we require to meet the needs of both the export and home markets,” said the statement. “Nor shall we, until taxation is brought down, see an increase in savings which is so necessary to our national efficiency.” ' The National Union of Manufacturers said it regarded the proposals as totally inadequate to meet the gravity of the situation. The statement was lacking in the inspiration and leadership which the country so desperately needed at this moment. Industry must still bear the full burden of responsibility of renewing and re-equipping its plant and machinery in order that productivity may be increased . and efficiency improved.

Reduction in Housing

The National Federation of. Building- Trades’ Employers said that Mr Attlee's decision to cut the housing programme by £35,000,000 sterling meant a reduction of more than 20,000 houses a year in the .total housing programme of 180,000. • “Although it is not clear at the moment how the cut will operate in practice, it seems that it will fall mainly on the already small programme of houses—fewer than 20,000 a year—being built for sale or letting privately under very strict conditions.” The British Medical Association spokesman, speaking of the “shilling a prescription” contribution to the health service, said that people who had been going to their doctors for cotton wool and similar .things would think twice of having to pay Is on the prescription and buy the cotton wool from a shop for 6d. It should make people think twice before queuing up in the waiting-room of the surgery for something they can well provide themselves.