IN THE PUBLIC EYE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 6 April 1943, Page 5

IN THE PUBLIC EYE

SUBJECTS UNDER DISCUSSION LABOUR PARTY’S CONFERENCE FUTURE OF BRITISH AGRICULTURE London, April 5. The action of Sir Stafford Cripps in taking over the entire shareholding of Short Brothers, and securing a new board of directors, the forthcoming Labour Party conference, and another suggestion for British agricultural policy are among the subjects recently engaging public attention in Britain. There is a fairly wide feeling that a further Government statement should be made to clarity Sir Stafford’s action. When he was appointed Minister of Aircraft Production last November it was stated that Britain’s aircraft production was good, but could be better. In December Sir Stafford Cripps appointed a new managing director to the Fairey Aviation Company and English Electric took over Napier and Sons. Next the whole of Short Bros, share capital was transferred and vested in nominees of the Ministry of Aircraft Production. The result has been some mystification, for Sir Stafford has not informed the House of Commons why he thought it necessary to take this action. There are accusations that axes are being ground, that nationalisation is being brought in through the side door, and that monopoly is being reinforced.

The Labour Party’s annual Whitsun conference is arousing more interest — some say excitement —than ever before. There will be two major decisions it will have to take Firstly, whether the electoral truce will be broken, and secondly, whether the Communist Party’s request for admission to the Labour Party will be accepted. It is at present thought that the answer will be in the negative in both cases. The Labour Party is passing through a difficult phase. It has been observed that while the country’s centre is moving leftwards, the people are not following the Labour Party. Some are tending to the Communist Party and others towards the Commonwealth (the latter is a new party which has been contesting by-elections) It is' also observed that the commonest complaint against the Labour Party is that it is dominated by trade unions. It is expected to be a lively conference —and is very important for Labour’s future.

A further grist for discussion on postwar agriculture is added by the Conservative Party LUjD-commi ttee’s report, which recommended the control of agriculture after the war. It fits in with the proposals of other bodies stressing the need for stable world prices on an international basis, more efficient farming, better marketing and better conditions in villages. Just what proportions Britain’s farming will assume after the war is difficult now to assess, but industrial and commercial bodies do not hesitate to point out that Britain is firstly an industrial country which is most important for income from overseas and that the country’s prosperity rests on flourishing industry rather than large domestic agriculture. Many believe that the policy of guaranteed prices, markets and wages has come to stay for Britain's agriculture. Sooner or later the House of Commons must discuss the whole subject.—P.A. Special Correspondent.