THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 October 1921, Page 2

THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CARLE ASSOCIATION. IN THE commons. f LONDON, October 19. In tlie House of Commons a resolution was submtted to give effect to the Government’s unemployniunt anil trade credit proposals. Mr J. R. Clynes said he welcomed tlw credit scheme proposed, but he hoped that the Government assistance would involve 11 minimum amount of interference with trade. He believed that if the workmen could make a contribution in the way of a reduction of the cost of production, it would he to their primary interest to do so. Nevertheless,. lie said, it was essential that the standard of living should not be lowered. He thought that the supplementary grant as under the insurance scheme was inadequate. Air Asquith said he regretted that , proposals to relieve unemployment were not brought forward by tlie Government earlier than now. He regarded the credit scheme that was suggested in view of the fluctuating exchanges as one in the nature ot a gamble. If, he said, unemployment were to be properly grappled with, then there should first ,(>e a remission of tlie present crushing taxation which was the direct cause of the unemployment. The root cans,, of the unemployment, said Air Asquith was international. There should, therefore, lie a reconsideration of the whole problem of the international indebtedness.