DOUBLING UP RANDOM THOUGHTS ABOUT A PROPHECY

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27498, 4 November 1954, Page 12

DOUBLING UP RANDOM THOUGHTS ABOUT A PROPHECY

George Schwarz

[By

in the "Sunday Times 1

(Reprinted by Arrangement]

London, October 17. —"I see no reason why in the next quarter of a century, if we run our policy properly and soundly, we ahould not double our standards of living in thj» Such was the conclusion of toe speech delivered by the Chancellor of the Ex chequer at Blackpool on October 8, 1954-Make a note of it, you who hope to be around on October 8, 19 since read all the P a P® rs cept those not published last Monday, and so far I have seen no objection raised against the prospect opened by the Chancellor. I had an idea someone would argue that we ought to marie time until less fortunate peoples came up to our present standard. 1 even thought that someone would argue that such a measure of material prosperity would go to our heads and stop us being the nice people we are. In the absence of any such remonstrance I must take it that you are an fairly keen on being twice as well off as you are now. I even suspect that some of you cannot wait patiently for 25 years.

Yes, But How? , Well, my materialistically-minded friends, who are always ready to cheer a scornful reference to grandfather as materialistically-minded, may I ask you to consider for a moment how the doubling is to come about? You will agree that it won’t be heaven-sent and that it must come by human agency. “No reason why we should not double our standard. . . .” Who’s we? Could not the Chancellor have put it more tactfully? Couldn’t he have put it in the passive voice. “I see no reason why our Standard of living should not be doubled in the next quarter of a centufy.” That gives a more spontaneous and less personal flavour to the whole idea. Because, sir or madam as the. case may be, if we have to do the doubling have you any idea how we go about it? It looks very much as if it involves doubling our output. If that means doubling our effort, namely, working twice as hard, that be blowed for a lark. No double, if it means double toil and trouble. If it means that, we could have a shot at it now without waiting for 1979. Surely the kiqd-hearted Mr Butler could not have meant that. He wouldn’t want me to sit up late at night making this article twice as long. He is not expecting the dockers to go into training so as to workrat the double. Technical Progress? No, I suppose the idea is that technical progress will do the trick.

Without any of us working any harder or longer the economic apparatus and organisation at our disposal in 1979 will secure twice the amount of gooi and services available today. Well, just see to it, someone. You heard me. I said distinctly that al] that was needed was better equipment dnd better organisation. That calls for more fertile inventors, more skilled organisers, a larger volume of saving and of enterprising investment. Now that I’ve given you the recipe you get on with the cooking. Are you sure you’ve got the idea? The cake has to be twice as big in 1979 and you don’t want to spend any more time in the kitchen.

And if it comes off will you be more happy and contented? Ho! ho! that’s a good one! If the standard of living is doubled all round by 1979 the old familiar cry will still be heard throughout the land, “We can’t manage on what we get.” There will still be an audience for the man who proclaims, “Chums, you’ve been robbed. Exploitation that’s what it is.” The passengers at the helicopter station will still be moaning. “You hang about here for a quarter of an hour and then they come along three at *• time.” If the price of tea goes up by 2d a pound in 1979 the same old leader will be written asserting that million® of families will be driven below the poverty line. Ah, you bright young things of 30 who will live to see the great day, listen jp that October month to your children’s appreciation of their good fortune. “I do think Dad is an old meanie. That’s twice running we’ve been to Durban for the summer hols.

A month there, and a mouldy fortnight in Madagascar on the way back. And we always go tourist. Dad says it’s all we can afford. The Jacksons went to Sydney, and Audrey says the surf bathing is simply topping. I told Dad about that and he said the sharks were better at Durban. I hate him when he starts beirig funny.” Same Old Grievance And above all, don’t forget, that however well-off you may be in 1979 someone else may be better off. Oh, gall and wormwood. Someone’s aeroplane will be faster than yours. Someone’S swimming pool will be longer and deeper than yours. Mrs Smith opposite will come out in that ravishing new coat while you have to go on wearing that old rag which any husband who was half a man would be ashamed for his wife to be seen in, but, of course, he gives her a generous allowance. . . .

No, I don’t think I shall hang about for 1979. You double. I’ll quit.