LABOUR’S PLANNED STABILITY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20670, 8 March 1937, Page 9

LABOUR’S PLANNED STABILITY

OUTLINE OF ELECTION PROGRAMME AIMED AT SOCIALIST COMMONWEALTH United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received March 7, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 6. Outlining their plans to secure peace and prosperity within one term in Parliament of five years, the British Labour Party has issued its programme. “The goal,” says the manifesto, “is the socialist commonwealth and the Party is determined to use the resources of the country to create real prosperity in which all will share.” Every effort will be made to secure just and lasting peace. The Party is irreconcilably opposed to dictatorship by any individual or group and agrees that a fair price should be payable for all private property transferred to public ownership. The Bank of England will become a public institution. A National Investment Board will mobilise the financial resources of the country and advise the Government on a financial plan for the full employment of the people. There will not be a return to the gold standard. The Government will organise home production and control of imports to ensure the home producer a fair price for produce, and ensure a plentiful supply of food for everybody, including suitable food for choldren and expectant mothers. Legislation will be introduced for a standard 40-hour week and also a determined attack will be made on insecurity, due to fear of unemployment. Vigorous measures will be taken to increase employment. All children will be kept at school until 15 years and eventually 16, with maintenance allowances. There will also be improved pensions. The Labour Government when in power will endeavour to enable all peaceful nations to share the world’s wealth. It will seek to strengthen the League of Nations, it ’.ill endeavour to check the armament race, promote disarmament and substitute an international air police force for national air forces. The Government will maintain ~-.:ch armed forces as will be necessary to defend the country, and f’.ifil its obligations to the Empire and to the League of Nations.