U.K. Labour Party’s New Manifesto

Press, Volume C, Issue 29554, 1 July 1961, Page 9

U.K. Labour Party’s New Manifesto

(N.Zf.A .-Reuter—Copyright)

LONDON, June 28. The British Labour Party proposed in a new home policy manifesto issued today that a future Socialist Government should decree public ownership of land on which building or rebuilding had been authorised. The policy statement approved last night by the party's governing body, the National Executive Committee—makes these other main proposals: Re-nationalisation of the steel industry, which the post-war Labour Government nationalised, but which was restored to private ownership by Conservatives. Possible State participation in the pharmaceutical and aircraft industries, and State intervention where vital industries are threatened by takeover bids or mergers. A capital gains tax, and shifting of more of the tax burden from earned incomes to the higher unearned incomes and company profits. Overhaul of present pension schemes to ensure at least half pay for everyone on retirement.

An educational trust to tn« tegrate fee-paying (public) schools into the State system. A national industrial planning board to deal with industrial inveMmect, and to direct industrial expansion. The reconstruction and enlarging of th* National Development Corporation, authorised to engage in proAiction and to place contracts for research or development with groups of scientists. A national apprenticeship and training scheme with Government help for finance and facilities. On publie ownership of building Isnd. the statement gave examples of how land prices have increased, and blamed this on the Conservative Government's abolition at machinery set up by the Labour Government for control office*. It added that it would not be necessary to acquire land which continued to be used for agriculture.