TRADE UNIONISTS DEMANDS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXI, Issue 16690, 21 July 1916, Page 5

TRADE UNIONISTS DEMANDS.

MR. ASQUITH'S REPLY. LONDON, July 19

Replying to a deputation from tho Trade Unionist Congress regarding th* regulation of prices of food and fuel an increase in old age pensions, and the conscription of riches, the Right Hon. H. H. Asquith said that Congress proposed fixing freights and rates, commandeering the horns crops, and fixing standard prices" for food in various areas. It was true that the shipping companies were making large profits, but much was being taken under the Excess of Profits Tax, and the interests of the country demanded that considerable reserves be set aside to provide new tonnage after the war. Germany had tried fixing maximum prices, but he doubted whether this, had been successful. He was not disposed to attempt it in the* "United Kingdom. In regard to the conscription of riches, the income tax was so high that he did not think any country in the woi-ld was exacting equal contributions from the w^ll-to-do.