WAGES AND COSTS

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 23, 28 January 1928, Page 20

WAGES AND COSTS

A MODEEN PEOBLEM. Unless we take some definite steps, which we have not yet done, trade will not improve. It is of supreme importance that the British people should realise the seriousness of the situation, said Mr. Seebohm Bowntree in a speech reported in . the "Yorkshire Post." I have.every confidence in the British people, both managerial and workers, to deal with the problem effectively and successfully if once they grasp what it is. But do not let us be living in a fool's paradise, thinking all these things will come right in a year or two. They must lower the cost of production. It was not as if they were making money—nobody was making money in coal, shipbuilding, or textiles, yet though wages were scandalously low and profits were non-existent, we were unable to compete successfully in tho markets of the world. You must lower, wages or increase efficiency. I know no other way. I want to see English wages higher; not lower. • Lower wages, too, were no permanent solution of the problem, as it still further reduced that power by lowering tho wages of 80 per cent, of the population, and so destroyed the Home market. The problem was how to secure high : wages and low costs, and this could only be done by increased, co-operation between all engaged in industry. All engaged in it must think of industry as national service. Tho life of this country, declared Mr. Bowntree, depends upon its industries; and, if these fail it, the country will fall and fail; Baise the efficiency of business and it will make for the well-being of the world. But if we keep our eyes fixed just upon our own travelling upon a road which will lead usveiyT^e^of^tjie^Tpjij-k ,nf trim r.n