DEBTS AND CLAIMS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 78, 11 March 1931, Page 6

DEBTS AND CLAIMS

ANGLO-SOVIET COMMITTEE QUESTIONS IN THE COMMONS LONDON, March 9. tlie House of Commons several questions were put as to the progress of the Anglo-Soviet debts and claims committee. Mr Hugh Dalton, UnderSecretary of Foreign Affairs, said that the main committee had met; eleven time. Two sub-committees had held meetings but had not yet reported, while four other sub-committees had not yet met.

haul the loads, do they? Is it not. the engines? I should say. that is a weakness ill their argument. Mr. Coleman did not agree that while the Civil Service was being threatened with a "cut" this branch should not stand on an equality with its fellows. Why should I hoy be exempted? lie asked. Mr. Phillips: They have. not lost their jobs and are lucky. As to securing a reduction in the cost of living, Mr. Coieman said the Civil Servants should throw in their whole weight as an organisation behind the Government to see that the men working under awards oil (he Arbitration Act "toe the line." AlO per cent, reduction in the wages of the Civil Servants would not reduce the cost oi' living. The Knginedrivers' Association tailed to take into consideration the fact that some farmers were down '.'>'.', 1-3 per cent., and others <!(i 2-3 per cent., and the financial institutions 100 per cent., the latter losing their capital in some instances. In (lie case of members of the Chambers, lie felt sure allot their incomes were down at least one-third of what they were before. The Civil Servants, lie continued, would bo wise in putting their weight behind the Government in getting a 10 per cent, reduction of wages under the Arbitration Act. That was what was going' to have the effect of reducing (he cost of living. If the wages were; kept, high, the man who wanted boots, clothing, etc., would have to pay high prices. The circular was received.