UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

Evening Star, Issue 20917, 7 October 1931, Page 6

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

EXHAUSTED FUNDS TAXATION ESSENTIAL In spite of the most .strenuous efforts hy the Government, the Unemployment Board, the local bodies, and numerous social organisations, and tho provision by tho taxpayers of a huge sum of money to assist the unemployed, no substantial or satisfactory solution of the problem has yet been achieved, livery ono is agreed that no real progress will bo made until the unemployed arc engaged on reasonably productive work, which will reflect itself in increased exports, or increased local nanniactnres. The Government is engaged in an attempt to change over from the present policy to a new policy on the lines indicated above, ff it proves successful it should result in the gradual absorption of the unemployed in productive industry, and in lessening the need for taxation. But, in the meantime, a position has hecn reached in which all the funds available are strained to tho utmost and are insufficient to cope with tho immediate need of granting relief. There is no margin of funds to enable tho Government to change over from tho old policy to tho new. If the now scheme is to bo tried out, it appears as if the Minister in charge of unemployment will require, temporarily, some additional funds, which can only be got from additional taxation, as no further money can bo obtained from the Consolidated Fund. Ono of the main objects in view is the use of the unemployed in preparing land for settlement. Further particulars will he placed before the House as soon as possible. '