MR. LLOYD GEORGE BECOMES PRIME MINISTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16408, 9 December 1916, Page 9

MR. LLOYD GEORGE BECOMES PRIME MINISTER.

.SECURES CO-OPERATION OF THE LABOUR PARTY. STATE CONTROL OF INDUSTRIES AND TRANSPORT. NEW LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO BE ESTABLISHED. By Telegraph—Press Association— Eeu'.er. (E-eceiTed 10 p.m.) LONDON". Dec. 8. It is officially announced tEafc Mr. Lloyd George has accepted office as Prime Minister. Mr. Lloyd George spent a very busy day forming his Cabinet- His inost important achievement was reaching an understanding with the J abour Party. All sections of Labour were represented at the conference. The majority finally decided to take part in the new Government. Mr. Henderson, lately Minister for Pensions, -will be a member of the War Committee, without portfolio, and will devote his whole energy to the war. Mr. Lloyd George informed the conference that the single plank of his political platform was a vigorous prosecution of the war to a ■victorious conclusion. He said a serious task lay before the country, and it, could only be accomplished by utilising to the utmost the entire energies of the nation. He admitted fully that Labour had already played a great part, but greater demands would be made upon Labour, as well as upon other classes of the community. Every prospect of success depended on an increased output of munitions, hence tremendous responsibilities were thrown on Labour. These responsibilities made it only equitable that Labour should have some 6 ay in the direction of affairs. The Government would contain a real Labour Minister, presiding over a new Labour Department, which would take over the whole labour work of the Board of Trade. Labour members entered on a searching cross-examination of Mr. Lloyd George, and were gratified to learn that his policy practically amounts to State control of all industries and means of transport by land and sea, in order that man power may be directed in the best channels. Every effort will be made to increase home-grown food, find farmers will be provided with the most modern machinery. Food prices will be rigorously controlled.