BRITAIN'S MOOD

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 76, 30 March 1944, Page 5

BRITAIN'S MOOD

POST-WAR PLANNING Paradox Of Education Bill Reverse N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent Rec. 10 a.m. LONDON, Mar. 29. The defeat of the Churchill Government by one vote on the amendment to the Education Bill demanding equal pay for men and women teachers —the first defeat suffered by the Churchill administration—needs to be seen against the background of the English political scene to-day. As with so many things in England, the defeat is something of a paradox, for the Education Bill is recognised as an excellent reform and is generally approved, while the 42-year-old President of the Board of Education, Mr. R. A. Butler, is regarded as one of the most talented members of the Cabinet.

The vote, however, is a reflection of the mood of the House of Commons and also the country against what is regarded as the laggard pace of the Government in regard to its reconstruction programme. This, as noted several times previously, has made itself seen in many ways recently, especially regarding the housing and land programmes, and only last week the Government took the precaution in the House of Lords to see that its benches were filled in order to prevent possible defeat. From the home point of view chief interest in Mr. Churchill's recent broadcast was his references to the domestic situation. Criticism Not Stilled Mr. Churchill attacked his critics for complaining that progress in home front plans was not rapid or orderly enough, but his comments have not stilled criticism and many people agree with the view expressed by the Manchester Guardian that his asperity was a mistake and the opinion that it was a psychological error comparable with the irascible tone of some of his by-election letters. While everyone recognises the importance of the hour and the imminence of the invasion of Europe it is impossible to dam the strongly running current in England for many reforms and definite programmes, which are an expression of the public's determination not to be let down in their ideals of postwar life as they considered they were after the last war. It is reasonable to assume that the Government, not suspecting close voting on the Education Bill—for which, as stated, there is general approval—had not whipped up members to be present, but then came the amendment on the principle of equal pay which extends beyond educational matters, and which also applies to an important section of the public, such as the civil service. Mr. Butler's Vain Protest In vain Mr. Butler pointed out that the Education Bill was not the proper vehicle to carry a decision to pay men and women alike throughout the civil service. The Opposition, backed by the Tory Reform party, which is the Conservative party's "ginger group," voted on principle. It is a symptom of the restless feeling which prevails regarding internal problems and the determination, in plain language, to "get something done." It is quite likely that similar positions may recur unless more definite Government action is taken, for, high as is the esteem in which Mr. Churchill is held as war leader, events have shown that he cannot expect to quell his critics on home policy merely by going to the microphone. As the Manchester Guardian says: "He has not shut up his critics; he has muddied the political waters."