EXPERTS ARE IN FOREFRONT OF NATIONAL ECONOMY OF BRITAIN

Wanganui Chronicle, 21 January 1947, Page 5

EXPERTS ARE IN FOREFRONT OF NATIONAL ECONOMY OF BRITAIN

SACRIFICES MUST BE MADE, SAYS LORD NUFFIELD (P.A.) Wellington, Jan, 20. When the Wanganella struck the rocks on Barrett’s Reef, Viscount Nuffield, one of the passengers, was in bed. The shock awakened him and he opened his door and inquired of his travelling companion, Mr. R. F. Hanks: “What’s this all about?” After investigation Lord Nuffield went 'back to bed. Interviewed when brought ashore, Lord Nuffield said: “It is obvious Britain’s great liabilities consequent upon the war have put export in the forefront of her national economy. History records that Great Britain has met her troubles in the past, and has overcome them with credit. I am certain the spirit of' the British people is just as strong and confident as ever before, and anyone who has lived in England throughout the war, and is familiar with the trials through which the country has passed, will not be surprised at the discontent and change of attit/de among the masses. '“However, it must be realised that 50,000 strikers will create more public attention than a million contented workers. “Having regard to these facia Great Britain is to be congratulated upon her measure of success in her export drive. Coal and steel must, in the end, be a fundamental background in Britain’s export drive, and as it is known

these are in short supply, and will be for some time to come. 1 can only say in this regard, that the best 'brains of Britain are behind the Government in adjustment ot this, as well as other, raw essejlial to produce the desired end.

“Another retarding factor is in the change-over of great factories from wartime to peacetime services. When this is complete Great Britain will be in a position greater than ever before. Engineering skill and knowledge and research during the war period has brought Britain to a standard unsurpassed in any part of the world, and for quantity and quality Britain will once more regain the highest standard. ‘lt is admitted that as the outcome of the war the United States dominates the world’s economy. However, if the United States estimates that she will export six billion dollars, apart altogether from her own imports, mainly to the sterling area, are correct, one can see through the maze now existing to world recuperation. It will be obvious to all that if Great Britain is to attain her objective in her export drive, there must be considerable sacrifices by British people, in that they must live on lean rations until financial stability is assured.” Speaking for the motor industry, Lord Nuffield said: “The Imperial Government will receive the greatest possible loyalty from the motor manufacturers, and, providing there can be reasonable adjustment of raw materials, it will play no small part in attaining the ultimate objectives of the Government.

“I am pleased to Jearn of the agreement with France, as such agreement will help materially in the unsettled conditions throughout Europe, and strengthen a desirable influence both commercially and politically.”