BRITISH LABOUR POLICY

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 December 1944, Page 5

BRITISH LABOUR POLICY

STATE OWNERSHIP & CONTROL. RUGBY, Dec. 14. Two resolutions which will possibly influence the future policy of the Labour Party in Britain were carried by a large majority at the Labour Party conference in London to-day. The first was a special executive resolution, moved by Mr. Shinwell, on full employment and economic controls. The resolution reaffirms the conviction that full employment and a high standard of living can only be secured by planned economy and appropriate controls after the war, and above all by the transfer to the State of power to direct the policy of main industries, services and financial institutions. The resolution added that the conference believed that to sustain a high and steadily rising level of purchasing power, it would be necessary for a Labour Government to control the Bank of England and joint stock banks and to set up a National Investment Board. The other resolution moved by the Reading Branch of the Labour Party urged economic controls and public ownership of land, large scale building, banks, transport, fuel and power. Mr. Noel Baker, on behalf of the Executive, appealed to the Reading delegate to withdraw the resolution, but it was passed by a large vote. The resolution also stated that agreements must be made with the Dominions, Russia, America, and other friendly nations for the

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resulting in foreign lending and the expansion of international trade and to assist agricultural and industrial development among economically backward peoples . The resolution adds: In order to prevent the reemergence of unemployment and depressed areas State control of the location of industry is essential.

Mr Shinwell introduced the Executive report on full employment and financial policy, which stated that until more permanent arrangements are made the principal wartime financial controls must remain, while a continuance of price control is essential to prevent inflation after the defeat of Germany.' He said that the Socialist policy of the Labour Party was unchanged. They stood for the abolition of the vicious competitive system and the ownership of indispensable national industries. The conference also passed a resolution declaring that the continuation of Government control, especially in regard to finance, raw materials prices and in the safeguarding of labour conditions would be essential in the post-war period.