"Socialists Can Own Car And Good Home”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29536, 10 June 1961, Page 13

"Socialists Can Own Car And Good Home”

(Special Correspondent NZP.A.)

LONDON. June 9 People must be convinced that having a car or buying a house fitted with the latest gadgets, and living under better conditions "are not inconsistent with being a good socialist." said Mr Hugh Gaitskell. leader of the Labour Party, addressing a conference of the National Union of Vehicle Builders. One of Labour's problems, he said, was the fact that in areas such as outer London. the home counties and the Midlands, there had been a tendency for those who formerly voted labour to decide that the Labour Party was not good enough for them because they had gone up a bit in the world “None of us can be satisfied when five or six million are living at a standard below the rest because they are old, are widows, or are sick We should spare a thought for those who do not have £3O a week, but live only on what the miserable old age pension provides for them.” Because thousands living outside the cities had made fortunes in the last few years. local councils could not buy land for building houses and schools at reasonable prices. There was a strong case for the public ownership of land for building. Divisions in Labour Party ranks, said Mr Gaitskell. hid been greatly exaggerated. There was an immense amount of agreement. The armaments problem would never be solved til! there was all round disarmament under inter-

national control. No country would down its arms and expose itself to danger till it could be sure that other nations were doing the time. Replying to ouestsona. he said a good deal of the trouble in the party last year was because of confusion and misunderstanding Asked what he thought were the chances of unity at this year's party conference, he said: “I am more hopeful. The process this year has been one of clarification.”