Great Britain

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 13, 9 December 1916, Page 5

Great Britain

NEW BRITISH CABINET.

LLOYD GEORGE BUSY.

UNDERSTANDING WITH LABOR.

CONSCRIPTION OF WEALTH.

Press Assn.—Copyright.—Australian

lian and N.Z. Cable Association

London, December 8

Mr Lloyd George spent a very busy day over the Cabinet, making good progress. The most important achievement was the understanding reached with the Labor Party. All sections of Labor were represented at the conference, which, by a majority, finally decided to take part in the Government, Mr Henderson being a member of the War Committee without portifolio, to enable him to devote his whole energy to the prosecution of the war.

Mr Lloyd George informed the conference that the single plank of his political platform was the vigorous prosecution of the war to a victorious conclusion. He recognised that a serious task lay before the country and that it could only be accomplished by utilising to the utmost the entire energies of the nation. It was admitted fully, by Labor as well as by other classes of the community, that every prospect of success depended upon the increased output of munitions, hence tremendous responsibilities were thrown upon Labor. These responsibilities made it , only equitable that Labor should have some say in the direction of affairs, and the Government would contain a real Labor Minister presiding over a new Labor Department, which would take over the whole Labor work of the Board of Trade.

Labor members were gratified to learn that Lloyd George’s policy practically amounts to State control of all industries and means of transport by land and sea, in order that manpower may be directed in the beat channels. Every effort will be made to increase home-grown food ; farmers will be provided with the most modern machinery and food prices will be vigorously controlled. The Labor Party discussed Mr Lloyd George’s proposals. It is officially announced that it has been decided to participate in the new Government. It is understood that Mr Henderson and Mr Barnes, will enter the Cabinet. The Party adopted a resolution hoping that the Government will endeavor to settle the Irish question, with a view to the fullest exercise oi the nation’s and the Empire’s forces.

Good progress is reported with tlic construction of the Government. Pile names are not expected till Fiiday. Messrs Henderson, Bruce, Vat die, Barnes and Hodge are the most likely to be the Labor selections.

Thirty members of the Liberal war group met in the House of Commons and passed a resolution as to the paramount importance of the formation of a Government without delay for the vigorous prosecution of the war, and pledged their active support to Mr Lloyd George to that end. Mr Asquith will address the Liberal Party on Friday and explain the circumstances regarding his resignation. The Evening Standard states that the Labor leaders have consented to participate in the Government on condition that the Government immedi-

ately and extensively controls mines, shipping and land. The Labor members pressed Mr Lloyd George particularly regarding the ‘conscK.ption of labor and wealth. The Prime Minister intimated that, as regards the first, his policy would be in the direction of regulating the ,work of the whole manhood of the country, so that no class could complain of being unfairly treated. Regarding tin; conscription of wealth, lie foreshadowed a scheme for controlling investments and savings, on the lines now existing in the case of certain classes in American securities. The plan realised that all the wealth of the country was at the Government’s disposal. There would also ho a large extension of the war profits tax. All profits would be calculated on the average of three years prior to the war, and all profits in excess of this amount would go to the State.

The Central News states that Mr Lloyd George offered two Labor seats in the Cabinet and on the War Council, and three under-secretaryships. A correspondent recounts that, in an interview a decade ago, the Kaiser was asked his opinion of Mr Lloyd George, the Kaioer saying that he would be Premier within ten .years. The German press has significantly changed its tone of complacency which it adopted when Mr Lloyd George resigned, and has now replaced it with mingled hostility and apprehension, denouncing him as a Cabinet breaker and secret intriguer, and warning the German people that his accession to power means that the war enters upon a new phase, and postpones indefinitely all peace prosects.

LIBERAL CONFIDENCE.

ASQUITH’S SOUND ADVICE. Prt ss Association —Copyright, Austro lian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 11.35 a.m.) London, December 8. The Liberals carried a resolution of confidence in Mr Asquith, also support of the Government. Mr Asquith said the colleagues acted on their own dictates and were not influenced by him. He emphasised the importance of supporting the Government in order to win the war. WOOL SALES CONTROLLED. Press Association—Copyright, Ausi'a lian and N.Z. Cable Association. (R eceived 11.35 a.m.) London, December 8. It has been decided to hold the wool sales from the 14th to the 20th and from the 20th to 3rd January, subject to such conditions as the Government may impose. PROHIBITION ON COPPER. Press Assn.—Copyright.—Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn., and Reuter. (Received 9.10 a.m.) London, December, 8. The Minister of Munitions prohibits the use of copper in manufactures, the sale and purchase of copper outside the United Kingdom and requires manufacturers , to deliver their returns of stocks of unwronght copper.