ONLY CRITICISM

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 92, 20 April 1931, Page 6

ONLY CRITICISM

There was no help tendered to the Government and the Minister of Labour when Mr. Holland moved the adjournment of the House to discuss the work of the Unemployment Board. In an emergency such as that which the country faces, even a Labour Party in Opposition might be expected to refrain from criticism which is purely destructive.. Labour professes to have the remedy for unemployment; but it will not disclose it. All the party does is to repeat worn-out generalities about organising the credit of the country. The only specific proposal it has submitted is an increase of individual income tax equal to a rise of 250 per cent, on the present rate. The bankruptcy of the party in ideas is proved, however, when Labour members declare that the Unemployment Act is not being complied with inasmuch as sustenance is not being paid. To accept this plea we must be prepared to believe that a law draftsman would write and Minister, Cabinet, and Parliament would pass "may" when they all meant "shall." The fact is that no statutory right to sustenance was given or intended to be given in the Act. This was made quite plain when Reform members protested against the introduction of the dole. It is idle, therefore, to talk of the Act not being complied with or of the Government having contracted to pay sustenance. A contract which assured unlimited unemployment benefits for a payment of about sixpence a V\'eck would be ridiculous. What trade union obtaining such a fee from its members would guarantee them the benefits the Labour Parly is now demanding from the Government?