PARADOXICAL DEFEAT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25499, 31 March 1944, Page 3

PARADOXICAL DEFEAT

COUNTRY’S MOOD REFLECTED PRINCIPLE OF EQUAL PAY (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent) LONDON, Mar. 29. The defeat of Mr Churchill’s Government by one vote on an amendment to the Education Bill demanding equal pay for men and women teachers—the first defeat suffered by the Churchill Administration —needs to be seen against the background of the English political scene to-day. The defeat is something of a paradox, for the Education Bill is recognised as an excellent reform, and is generally approved, while the 42-years-old Mr R. A. Butler is regarded as among the most talented members of the Cabinet. ■

The vote, however, is a reflection of the mood of the Commons and also the country against what is regarded as the laggard pace of the Government in its reconstruction programme. This, as noted several times previously, made itself seen in many ways recently, especially regarding the housing and land programmes, and only last week the Government took the precaution in the House of Lords to see that its benches were filled in order to prevent possible defeat. From the home viewpoint the chief interest in Mr Churchill’s recent broadcast was his reference to the domestic situation. Mr Churchill attacked his critics for complaining that the progress in home-" front plans was not rapid or orderly enough, but his comments have not stilled criticism, and many agree with the view expressed by the Manchester Guardian that his asperity was a mistake, and express the opinion that it was a psychological error comparable with the irascible tone of some of his by-election letters. While everyone recognises the importance of the hour and the imminence of the invasion of Europe, it is impossible to dam the strongly-running current in England for the many reforms and the definite programmes which are the expression of the public’s determination not to be let down in their ideals for post-war life as they considered they were after the last war. It is reasonable to assume that the Government, not suspecting the voting on the Education Bill (for which, as stated, there was general approval), had not whipped up the presence of its members; but then came the amendment on the principle of equal pay, which extends beyond educational matters, and which also applies to an important section of the public, such as the civil service. In vain, Mr Butler pointed out that the Education Bill was not a proper vehicle to carry a decision to pay men and women alike throughout the civil service. The Opposition, backed by the Tory Reform Party, which is the Conservative Party’s “ ginger group,” voted on the principle. It is a symptom of the restless feeling regarding internal problems and determination in plain language to “ get something done.” It is quite likely that similar positions may recur ' unless more definite Government action is_ taken. For all the high esteem in' which Mr Churchill is held as the war leader, events have shown that he cannot expect to quell critics on home policy merely by going to the microphone. As the Manchester Guardian says, he has not shut up his critics—he has muddied the political waters.

The Press Association states that there is no truth in the reports that Mr Butler, President of the Board of Education, formally offered to resign after the Government’s one-vote defeat in the Commons yesterday.