CONSULTATIONS IN LONDON

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25249, 30 July 1947, Page 7

CONSULTATIONS IN LONDON

“INNER ECONOMIC CABINET ”

PREPARING STATEMENT FOR PARTY MEETING

LONDON, July 28. Mr Attlee to-night held his first meeting with a specially chosen group of Ministers who have been formed into an Inner Economic Cabinet. Those present at the preliminary consultations included Mr Ernest Bevin « and Mr Arthur Greenwood. Others who are being consulted include Dr. Dalton, Mr Herbert Morrison, and Sir Stafford Cripps. Reuters diplomatic correspondent says that they are discussing: (1) The shortage of dollars. (2) How to increase coal output. (3) The import and export position.

(4) Manpower shortages. The objective of the consultations is to prepare the case which Mr Attlee will put to the Labour Party meeting on Wednesday on the economic outlook.

It is understood that Mr Attlee has decided to state frankly to the meeting the obstacles confronting the Government and to emphasise the fundamental importance of coal. He will probably outline the import cuts, including food, which Britain may have to make in October if the Marshall Plan does not then seem to be developing satisfactorily. Alternatively, he will present a brighter picture if the Marshall Plan materialises.

It was only in the last few days that the Government decided, as a result of party representations, to have a full discussion of the economic situation at Wednesday’s meeting. One back-bench suggestion on Wednesday will be that more men be released frdm the services to assist industry. After the meeting Mr Attlee with Mr Bevin, Mr Morrison, Mr E. Shinwell, and Mr George Isaacs will meet the executive of the National Union of Mineworkers, which originally asked for a meeting to discuss mainly the recruitment and pension schemes of the miners.

The meeting is likely now to consider methods of expanding coal output. Any change in the five-day week would have to originate with the union. The Government has in mind the alternative of 8 longer. working day. Mr Attlee will whether to make a national appeal to the miners after discussions with the union.

There will be a two days’ economic debate with a full statement from the Government in the House of Com-