ECONOMIES IN BRITAIN

Taranaki Daily News, 21 September 1931, Page 9

ECONOMIES IN BRITAIN

HOUSE AUTHORISES CUTS. SUSPENSION OF TRAINING HEALTH WORKERS’ LEAD UNEMPLOYMENT DEFICIT British Wireless." Rugby, Sept. 18. Mr. Neville Chamberlain in the House of Commons moved the financial resolution in connection with the National Economy Bill, which authorises Orders-in-Couneil for effecting reductions in State expenditure. Regarding national health insurance he said that it was proposed to reduce the remuneration of doctors and chemists by one-ninth. He paid a tribute of admiration and gratitude to them for the way they had at once said they would gladly pay their share. They had set a fine example for which the Government was very grateful. Regarding unemployment insurance Mr. Chamberlain said the debt at present was £100,000,000. The borrowing powers of the fund were to £115,000,000, but the Government’s proposal was that the borrowing should cease entirely and future expenditure be met out of income. The motion was carried by 219 votes to 105. It has been decided to suspend all annual training in camp by the territorial army and . the supplementary reserve. Next year the strength of the territorial army will be limited to that for which provision is made in the year’s estimates. Mr. Betterton said that if the present rate of benefits and contributions' continued it was estimated that by March 1 the deficiency on the unemployment insurance fund would be £130,000,000. If it continued in the same way for a further year the deficiency would be £190,000,000. . Extra taxation has caused a wholesale cancellation of marriages in London and the, provinces. More than. 100 persons had asked registrars to return the license fees. The London registrar stated that bridegrooms in a good position were not marrying because they thought it would be unfair to their brides, in view of the need for economy. The trouble in the navy was hardly settled before the teachers fired the first" shot in the campaign against the cuts in salaries. At thirty South-West London schools to-day, the teachers stopped all athletics and games outside school hours. Over 7000 children are affected. The Duke of Abereorn, Governor of Northern Ireland, has voluntarily surrendered 20 per cent, of his salary of £BOOO. His action has received the National Government’s warm appreciation. Lord De la Warr has sent a letter to Mr. Henderson stating that he cannot longer support the Labour Party’s attitude, and will not continue to sit on the Opposition benches.