BRITISH LABOUR UNREST.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13413, 10 May 1912, Page 5

BRITISH LABOUR UNREST.

DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE OF

COMMONS

DEMAND FOR SPECIAL COMMIS-

SION

THE CASE FOR CO-PARTNERSHIP.

(Received May 9, 9.55 p.m.)

London, May 9

Mr E. Crawshay-Williams (L.) moved a resolution asking for an investigation into the industrial unrest.

Lord Robert Cecil stated that the factory and company systems had destroyed tho huma.ii element in industry. He advocated co-partnership.

Mr Koir Bardic said that an enquiry would causo delay. The Labour Party objected to a special commission for enquiry into these questions. Ho added, "We are a special commission." He moved an amendment in favour of a Light Work Bill, containing provisions for an eight hours' day, a minimum living wage, and the nationalisation of industries.

Mr Lloyd George said that- agricultural labour was much underpaid, many earning only 15s a week. Tho nationalisation of railways was worth examining as a businesr. proposition.- The unlimited competition was costing the country millions of pounds, sterling. It was a fact that worisrpsu wore suspicious of ths interference of the State.

Mr J. H. Thomas (Lab.) interjected: "Out of thirty appeals to the Board of Trade brily oiie was in favour of tho

men."

Mr Lloyd George replied: "But the Board of Trade represents tho State. Surely nationalisation is State control?" He added that Lord Robert Cecil had been invited and had consented to put the case for co-partner-ship before a Cabinet committee.

The debate was then adjourned,