THE COST OF CHEAPNESS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume LXIII, Issue 3250, 13 February 1933, Page 7

THE COST OF CHEAPNESS.

Mr. Ramsay MacDonald, In a remarkable article on The Cost of Cheapness in the “News-Letter,” the National Labor publication, shows, says “Public Opinion,” that a rise in prices is a necessary prelude to the return of prosperity.

“What,” he asks, “is the meaning of ' the outcry made by some Labor leaders that they are guarding the interests of the working-class housewife when they object to anything which may increase her housekeeping expenses? “When they are thinking of unemployment they say that prices must be raised. When the Government does something to increase employment they say prices must not be raised. “When some years ago we were all determined to raise the disgracefully low level of the wages of railway employes we admitted that railway fares would be increased. “When the Miners’ Federation decided to improve the condition of the miner they told us quite plainly that the cost of coal would rise. “The fact of the matter is that everyone who speaks quite plainly to the mass of our people and explains to them why industry is so bad, not only here but all over the world, and at the same time suggests remedies must not shilly-shally about low prices.

“Prices paid to great sections of producers to-day are sweated prices, and there will be no recovery in world trade until they show a tendency to rise.

“Do not let us mislead the working class housekeeper that trade prosperity can return without some slight rise in prices. “The Labor Opposition does not believe it. Nor does the Government.