BRITAIN AT WAR

Grey River Argus, 20 September 1939, Page 10

BRITAIN AT WAR

New Profiteers UNEMPLOYMENT AND OTHER PROBLEMS. LONDON, September 17. Although the nation switched froln peace to war economy with remarkably little dislocation, there have already been some marked surprises. A new form of profiteer has arisen, namely, the smaller middleman, who lost no opportunity in raising prices The “New Statesman" cites rises of 25 per cent, in furniture and hosiery, 60 per cent, in carpets, and 15 to 25 per cent, in many other household articles. Many thousands have lost their employment, resulting in a reduction of purchasing power and of saving capacity. This situation is undoubtedly temporary, and will be mitigated when the war economy gets int 0 full swing. Signs of a new unemployment problem are already unmistakeable, differing from the old, one, inasmuch as it affects mainly clerks, salesmen, and other blackcoated workers. The authorities do not seem to know whether to advise people to spend or not to spend. There are also indications that the control of prices is not yet fully effective. So far there have been no fortunes made on the Stock Exchange, where dealings are restricted to a cash basis. The Ministry of Information announces that the scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture of Northern Ireland for increased cultivation provides that farmers, with 10 acres or move, shall have one-fifth of their total arable land cultivated, in 1940. The aim is to secure 250,000 acres in tillage area, and it is confidently expected that this will be reached. The Ministry of: Information states that the War Cabinet has authorised greater freedom in reporting war news, and more latitude in Press comment. Lord Camrose has been appointed chief assistant to Lord Macmillan, Minister of Information. , Queen Mary has sent a message to “my countrywomen,” caressing admiration at the way in which they have come forward to give help in the present emergency. She sent special greetings to all nurses.