THE BRITISH MIND

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 134, 8 June 1935, Page 29

THE BRITISH MIND

A CONSERVATIVE TEST

INTERESTING RESULTS

A test vote carried out by the London "Morning Post" met with an .extraordinarily active response among the ■readers of this Conservative newspaper.^and furnished much interesting information about political thought in England at the present time, says a writer in the "Sydney Morning Herald." The questionnaire submitted to its readers contained 30 items, which, with subdivisions, comprised altogether 45 questions, ranging from the strictly political to matters of rather a sociological character. It is proof of the interest that people take in the outstanding problems of the day that 45,182 persons took the trouble to fill in and post such a large form.

Although the- "Morning Post" is a strongly Conservative. organ, it is sold for a penny, and, consequently, circulates among the poorer as well as the more well-to-do sections of the community. An examination of the voting papers- showed that the voters could be taken to represent a fair "cross-section" of English thought. The vote, moreover, was conducted in an atmosphere of comparative political calm, with the personal factor, which often looms so large in politics, reduced to a minimum.- Few op the questions asked were being canvassed with any unusual urgency at the time, and those who voted were able to record' their opinions with no election loyalties to distract them. BEHIND THE GOVERNMENT. As might be expected, there was a substantial majority in favour of continuance of the National Government in its present form, and against a return to the party system, but some unexpected answers were returned to the question about the leader of the Conservative Party. Six names were submitted: Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, Mr. Winston Churchill,

Lord Lloyd, Lord Salisbury, and Sir Kingsley Wood. Mr. Neville Chamberlain headed the. poll with 29.4 of the votes, Mr. Baldwin was second with 24.4 per cent, and Mr. Winston Churchill was third with 17.3 per cent. Voters were given an opportunity of selecting another name besides those mentioned in the ballot paper. This seventh choice of a leader attracted 6.8 per cent, of the votes on this question, while no fewer than 192 different names were suggested.

In the section dealing with economics, there was a large proportion of papers which returned no answer to certain questions. There was, however, an overwhelming vote (82 per cent.) in favour of an Economic Coun-. cil, representative of the best brains of industry and finance, to assist Parliament in national development, but only 50.4 per cent, would give industries some measure of statutory authority under, such a council. Voters opposed a return to the gold standard on principle, but there was a majority of 62.3 per cent, for return when practicable. There were small majorities against a shorter working week, both at the same wages and at reduced wages. The"" largest percentage of votes in the ballot was recorded in favour of reducing unemployment by expenditure on productive public' works, and another large majority favoured; assisting agriculture by means of tariffs, as against quotas. IMPERIAL ISSUES. In regard to Imperial questions, some clearcut answers were returned. There were substantial majorities in favour of "Lord Beaverbrook's policy of Empire Freetrade," "a Customs union with the Crown colonies and protectorates," and "a more energetic Empire migration policy, even at considerable cost to the British Exchequer." In view of the large number favouring Mr. Winston Churchill as leader of the Conservative Party, it was to be expected that a large majority would oppose the Government of India Bill in its present form.

The second largest percentage of votes was cast in favour of "increasing our defences in all branches to prevent war," while there was a two to one majority, against "reliance.main-

ly on the League of Nations to prevent war." However, 46.4 per cent, were against isolation from Continental alliances, compared with 34.5 per cent. in favour of isolation. ■ > .

In the general-section of questions, it is amusing to observe that, although a thumping majority opposed more State control of. the individual, and. advocated less control, yet a very large majority favoured sterilisation of mental defectives. . State lotteries were approved, though there was a larger majority for "charitable or humanitarian objects" than for "State funds." Reform of the divorce law was favoured, but there was a majority against relaxation of Sunday restrictions. :