LABOUR AND THE HOUSING PROBLEM

Evening Star, Issue 25620, 22 October 1945, Page 2

LABOUR AND THE HOUSING PROBLEM

VERY LITTLE PRUGRESS RECORDED (N'.Z.P.A. Special (JimespumieiH.j LONDON, Octooer 21. i’he on weaunniSLer re.iiuius sieau,, auu uumcKe.un^, —suen is .no intense .xixexesii ox tile evunuy in ins ue>v uuvci'umciii. J-nOugn lue lust uiViS.on occuiicsi ,ast vveex over tue quest,on ox ooiuiois auu proveu wxiat "everyoofly Knew, mat tne uovexmment nau a mm majority, it was housing mat pioctueeci me nrst real detain.

Xliere is uoutne interest m tnis subject, the first oeing inevitably due to the housing shortage and the second to the taci, that xur Aneuriu Devan was being cross-examined on ins stewarusiiip, after being omy tjvo months or so in office, oy those who aad suffered under tne Jasli of his rhetoric in bygone days. As was expected, Mr Be van was the equal ot any wlm sought.to engage him in a verbal clash, and the general opinion is that he gave a fine parliamentary performance—the reaction ranging from exultation on the Left to subdued approbation among the Centre and Bight. But the hopes of those who expected him to report firm progress on the building ot houses or give some hint of optimism dissolved into disappointment or knowing complacency, according to the party badge. Mr Bevan’s statement that the local authorities will be the chief instrument of the housing problem, and his reference to building societies as a lot of moneylenders have come in for some criticism. From the point ’of view of the public, much interest' has been aroused by his decision that people with houses too big for them will have to sub-let part of them to the homeless. It will not be billeting, nor will it involve providing the use of furniture, but it will mean that the kitchen and other services will become communal, it is hoped that this can be done voluntarily rather than by requisition.

The maximum prices for building new houses will be limited during the next four years to £1,200 in the pro-' vinces and £1,300 in London, and it is intended that the bulk of the houses built by local authorities shall be for lease and not for sale. The opinion is expressed that the mam gaps in Mr Bevan’s statement were his inability to assure the House of Commons that adequate man power would be forthcoming, his failure to indicate lidw he proposes to overcome the inflated prices of materials: and components, and the absence of any, promise that more ample and cheaper funds will be placed at the disposal of tlie local authorities. Generally speaking, it is remarked that Mr Bevin’s statement, though winning the Commons, is disappointing to the country. BACK BENCHERS’ REVOLT. One interesting incident has been what the newspapers called “ the Labour back-benchers’ revolt ” against the Government’s decision not Jo increase immediately the old age pension by 7s 6d a week for single people and ,12s 6d a week for married couples., No fewer than 160- Labour, members, pledged themselves to press' 'for an im-* mediate increase. A meeting has been •held, at which they talked to the party leaders; who pointed out that an interim measure would delay the passage of comprehensive insurance legislation, and the upshot is that the Cabinet is adhering to its refusal. This attitude of the back-benchers is interesting, since it may tend to be “ a ginger group ” to the Government, and far more effective than the barbs of the Opposition. Many of them are not over-pleased with Mr Ernest Bevin’s foreign policy. MR ATTLEE IMPRESSES. Just what is the Government’s policy on Palestine is likely to be made known within the next 10 days, when Mr Attlee makes a statement. It is forecast that he may suggest that the whole question must be dealt with as part of the United Nations’ task in bringing about a general settlement.; In passing, it may be remarked that Mr Attlee has made a very definite impression in the Commons by his manner and bearing as Prime Minister. Mr Geoffrey Cox, the ‘ NewsChronicle’s’ political correspondent, says he has shown himself assured, definite, and witty. SIR STAFFORD CRIPPS’S FORMULA. Sir Stafford Cripps has made it clear that his “ working party ” formula is to be applied by the Government, to all industries not scheduled for early nationalisation. Parties are now being

appointed to examine the cotton, pottery, furniture, hosiery, and boot and shoe industries. It is commented that they have a fine opportunity to make constructive suggestions to increase efficiency and provide, as Sir Stafford Cripps said,. “ the best goods at the cheapest price consistent with good conditions for those in industry.” But there is nothing, to prevent each from adopting entirely different and contradictory versions of what the national interest requires. One important criticism that has been made of the Labour Ministry—and it comes from the Left quarter—is whether the Ministry is handling its job in a way that minimises its difficulties. Mr Churchill held himself responsible for all major decisions, which sometimes held up action through the need to refer to him. The Labour Ministers work as a team, but it is stated .that there is still a bottleneck in the Cabinet’s overcrowded agenda, -that without quick and clear decisions on general policy fresh' problems . are created. The opinion is'expressed that there is need for a greater delegation of responsibility to departmental Ministers, leaving the inner Cabinet more time to concentrate on a few priorities in the realm of general policy. .