BRITAIN’S WORKLESS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 310, 24 September 1921, Page 7

BRITAIN’S WORKLESS

ALLEVIATION OF DISTRESS PREMIER’S REPLY TO LONDON MAYORS By Telegranh-Prt*»« Aasoclation— Copyright i.Rec. September 23, 7.50 p.m.) London, September 23. Official.—Mr. Lloyd George met the London l.a’iwur Mayors al the Gairloch .’Hotel They pointed out that the problem of unemployment. was a national one, and should be shouldered by tho central Government. They emphasised the great burden imposed on the ratepayei's. e.-pcciiilly in the poorer parts of Loudon. Mr. Lloyd George, replying, said iho problem had received his earnest consideration, and lie had summoned Ministers Irom London to explore possible niAiim of alleviating the distress. Ho impiiasised the point that, the central Government, could not shoulder the burden alone, and co-operation between the Government and the local authorities, manufacturers, and organised Labour was essential if we were to get to grips with the problem. The Prime Minister •oiid he was taking steps in this direction imm.-diaiely. Parliament, however, must bo consulted. When it met; he would, make n statement regarding tie whole position. In tho meantime the Cabinet'Commit lee was taking steps to ass’Bt ths boards of guardians, who were seriouslv embarrassed through unemployment. io obtain loans for meeting which the guardians would lie responsible. Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A NATIONAL PROBLEM WAGES REDUCTION A SHORI\ SIGHTED POLICY. (Rec. September 23, 7.50 p.m.) London, September 22. The Parliamentary Committee of the Trad? Union Congress and the Executive Committee of the labour Party have issued an official report, which states that unemployment is a national problem requiring for its adequate treatment a national policy The Goyernment's proposals to plaCajtho main burden on the local authorities are indefensible. because they convert au obvious national duty into a local responsibility. Widespread wages reductions nnd attack on the trade board system lire 'liorl-sighted methods of dealing with Iho problem. Wages reductions are not likely Ir>, increase production, but lead te industrial conflict, adversely affecting th<* output.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. TO ORDERS FOR START..E MANUFACTURES NEEDED. (R'c. S-i-pteinh’er 23, 8.40 p.m.) London, September 23. Labour’s unemployment report suggests that the. Government ought to assist to stimulate production by placing substantial ardors for staple manufactiii*es like woollens and agricultural machinery. produced at minimum agr:<d profit's, the Government; exporting the same on credit. Tho report claims that this will maintain tho people’s morale and efficiency and keep tho machineii’y going pending trade revival, and also eave enormous expenditure on unemployment benefits and poor relief. —Aus-N.Z. Cable Assn. guardianFrelief BETHNAL GREEN COUNCIL REFUSES TO LEVY RATES. (Rec. September 23,. 7.50 p.m.) London, September 23. The Southwark guardians are dropping the scale of relief to Bs. weekly for each child after a fortnight’s trial, and will now deal with each case on its merite. The Bethnal Green guardians, by 16 votes to 10. decided to i-efuso to levy county council, police, and other rates for six months. Several Labour memhc’s protested against the council following in tho footsteps of the Poplar Council. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn