FOOD AND FUEL.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 14143, 21 July 1916, Page 5

FOOD AND FUEL.

REGULATION OF PRICES.

CONSCRIPTION OF WEALTH

MR. ASQUITH AND THE LABOUR

CONGRESS.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.)

LGfKttm, July 19

Replying to a deputation from the, Trade Unions Congress regarding the regulation of the prices of food and fuel, an increase of the old age pension, and the conscription of riches, Mr Asquith said that the Congress proposed the fixing of freights rates, commandeering of home crops, and fixing standard prices of food in various areas. It was true the shipping companies were making large profits, but much was taken under the excess profits tax, and the' interests of the" country demanded that considerable reserves should be set aside to provide for new tonnage after the war. Germany tried fixing maximum prices. He doubted whether it was successful. He was not disposed to attempt it in the United Kingdom. As regards the conscription of riches, he said the income tax was so high that he did not think any country in the world was exacting equal contributions from the well-to-do.