UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20713, 5 November 1930, Page 11

UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM.

SITUATION IN BRITAIN. PROPOSALS OF THE LIBERALS. SUBJECT .FULLY REVIEWED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, Nov. 3. The Liberal Party's proposals for dealing with unemployment have been published in a pamphlet signed by Mr. Lloyd George, the Marquis of Lothian and Mr. B. Seebohm Rowntree. The pamphlet says Britain's position hither resembles that of Australia, except that Britain can finance herself from savings, and still have great overseas investments, and she has not suffered from the enervating effects of tariffs. Tho report says tho party wishes to present the real facts in such a manner as to compel action. Tho best course would be a conference between representatives of the employers, the trades unions, banks, distributors, and tho Government. Tho pamphlet points out the seriousness of tho industrial position, and proposes a 10 per cent, cut in national expenditure, on the recommendation of a proposed new "axe committee," to report within six months. It also suggests tho creation of 100,000 family farms, with tho objoct of capturing as much as possible of tho £200,000,000 worth of dairy and meat products now imported from abroad. Tho proposals include a loan of £250,000,000 to finance a variety of schemes in connection with roads, housing, town-planning and telephono and electrical development, to provide, with tho agricultural proposals, work for 700,000 persons. That figure, rising to 1,000,000, is tho one at which tho pamphlet puts tho number in excess of those normally in course of transfer between industries, which has been persistent since tho war. Fears are oxpressed that the number of those unemployed will reach 2,500,000 before Christmas. It is proposed to encourago industrial banks, to restore tho export credit system, especially in view of tho development of Russian trade, vigorously to press Empire development, and also to advertise British-grown foods on tho lines of the Empire Marketing Board. The pamphlet adds that the real way out is increased efficiency, meaning that trades unionists must not limit the output and that other parties in industry must make similar sacrifices. DEBATE IN COMMONS. CONSERVATIVES' REMEDY. HOSTILE AMENDMENT. (Received November 4. 10.25 p.m.) LONDON. Nov. 3. In the House of Commons to-day Mr. Neville Chamberlain moved the Conservative amendment to the Address-in-Reply, regretting the failure of tho Government to propose any measure adequate to deal with the crisis in the industrial, agricultural and commercial situation, or to check the continued growth of unemployment. Mr. Chamberlain condemned tho Government for its inaction .in connection with unemployment. Ho said it was like a frightened puppy glued to a kennel, snarling and snapping, but afraid to come out. The Conservatives had a plan consisting of the immediate protection in one form or another of the homo market and the ultimate attainment of tho economic unity of tho whole Empire. The speaker said ho was convinced that tariffs were tho easiest and tho least disturbing form of protecting the homo market. Although it might not be applicable to some articles the protection of tho home market was the surest way of helping tho workers. Tariffs and Preferences. The President of the Board of Trade, Mr. W. Graham, in replying, said the situation in Britain was grave, but 21,000,000 people throughout Europe wero receiving public relief, tho majority of whom wero in protectionist countries. Tho Government could not deal with the dumping of German and Russian wheat without renouncing commercial treaties. Remembering Britain's dependence on foreign countries sho would bo placed at a disadvantage if sho entered into tho game of tariffs with retaliatory tariffs. Referring to tho offer of preferences made by Mr. R. B. Bennett, Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. Graham said all the Dominions were piotecting thoir own manufactures and nono wero likely to agree drastically to reduce tho tariffs on articles of the greatest importance to British manufacturers. They must remember their foreign trade obligations. Apart from tariffs much could be done by what could be described as voluntary preferences within tho Empire. Liberals Oppose Amendment. The Minister instanced Empire rationalisation, bulk purchases, import boards, and improved marketing. These, he said, were being carefully analysed and discussed by the Government, which had not entered into the Imperial Conference empty-handed, though it might have suffered from failure to advertise its wares. Tho greatest contribution Britain could make in tho voluntary field was a drastic reorganisation of her great industries such as coal, iron, steel and cotton —to meet the new conditions of world commerce. Sir Herbert Samuel (Liberal) said the Government's lack of activity in dealing with real distress made it difficult to cooperate with it. However, tho Liberals saw the real meaning of tho amendment. Therefore they would not support it. The debate was adjourned. LIBERALS AND LABOUR. INTEREST IN ATTITUDE. (Received November 5, 12.35 a.m.) LONDON. Nov. 4. Interest is manifested in all quarters as to tho attitude of the Liberals toward the Government. It is believed that Mr. Lloyd Ceorgo is dissatisfied, but hesitates to strike a blow which would involve a general election. Liberal members of Parliament met last evening to consider their nttitudo toward tho Conservative amendment on unemployment. 'l'hey decided by a majority to abstain from voting on tho division.