CO-PARTNERSHIP.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1436, 10 May 1912, Page 5

CO-PARTNERSHIP.

PRESENT SYSTEMS CONDEMNED. HUMAN ELEMENT DESTROYED. LABOUR PARTY'S DEMANDS. By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright. (Roc. May 9, 11.30 p.m.) London, May !). Mr. Crnvshay-Williams (Libera!) moved a resolution asking for an investigation into the present industrial unrest. In the debate which followed Lord Robert Cecil (Unionist) stated that the factory and company systems destroyed the human element in. industry and advocated co-partnership. Mr. Keir Hardie (Labour) said the inquiry would cause delay and tho Labour party objected to a special commission of inquiry into these questions, and added : "We ore a special commission." He moved an amendment in favour of the Right to Work Bill, the eight hours a day, minimised living wage, and nationalisation of industries. Mr. Lloyd-George, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said that agricultural labour was much underpaid, and many were earning only 15s. a week. Nationalisation, of the railways was worth examining as a business proposition. The unlimited competition was costing the country millions sterling. The fact was that workmen were suspicious of interference by the State. Mr. J. H. Thomas (Labour) interjected: "Out of thirty appeals to the Board of Trade only one was in favour of tho men." Mr. Lloyd-George .replied: "But the Board of Trade represents the State, surely nationalisation is Stato control," and added that Lord Robert Cecil bad invited him and ho bad consented to put tho caso for copartnership beforo the Cabinet Committee appointed to inquire into tho industrial situation. Tho debate was adjourned.