DISTRESSED AREAS

Evening Star, Issue 22085, 19 July 1935, Page 7

DISTRESSED AREAS

COMMISSIONER'S REPORT BLEND OF OPTIMISM AND PESSIMISM Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, July 17. Mr Malcolm Stewart, Commissioner of Distressed Areas, in his first report recommends increased pensions at 65, shorter working hours, a compulsory week’s holiday on full pay, the settlement of 2,000 families •on the land, shorter hours in suitable industries with the help of Government subsidies, State ownership of mining royalties, production licenses for new industries, and protected tariffs provided suitable pledges are given in respect to labour. He suggests the reopening of negotiations with the dominions for Empire migration. ' Mr Stewart stressed the inadequacy of his powers. The report is a curious blend of optimism and pessimism. _ It declares that the outlook for coal is not bright, but the future is hopeful if scientific methods are employed. The report advocates reorganisation of the steel industry, while admitting that it would bring more distress in special areas. It criticises quotas, saying it is impossible to understand how a system of control bolsterng inefficiency can be to the national advantage. The ‘ Machester Guardian ’ declares that the Government did not expect Mr Stewart to become a nuisance by stressing limited powers which it would embarrass the Government to extend, as the recommendations are counter to its policy.