BRITAIN'S PROBLEM.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3344, 24 November 1919, Page 5

BRITAIN'S PROBLEM.

RELIEF OF‘ UNEMPLOYED. DOLES SYSTEM DISCUSSED. ' - LONDON, Nov. 21. Sir R. S. Horne, Minister of Labour, in the House of Commons stated that there were 1'.f10,000 receiving the unemployed donation in May. There were 403,000 recipients in September, whereof 302.000 were ex-fighters, 65,000 ciiviians and 35,000 women. There were new 479,000 recipients, who did not represent the actual unemployment, which was not greater than ‘file average for fifteen’ years prewar. A good many were voluntarily idle. Sir R. S. Home predicted a period of prosperity ahead enabling the country to bear lightly the present colossal’ burdens. Sir R. S. Hornefs statement resulted -in an animated debate on the whole pl'o‘blenl of the withdrawal of doles. Members of -all parties united in asking the Government to continue doles for some weeks until the Government. un~ employment scheme came into operation. Sir R. S. Home pointed, out that when "payments were abandoned a considerable proportion of unemployeds would be covered by trade union benefits. He hoped soon to introdfrce the Government proposal. Mr Clynes said Labour could not silently accept the proposals. If it was right to pay unemployed when lllllnbol's were large, surely it was right to continue in View of the increased cost of living. He applied to the Government to reconsider continuing the payments until the spring. Sir Edward Carson concurred, declaring, amid Labour cheers, that the case for continuance was unanswerable. ‘ Sir Donald Mac Lean reproved the Government for not submitting a carefully considered substitute scheme for a gradual diminution. instead or sudden deprivation at the most opportune moment. He urged continuance pending an alternative. . General Seely pointed out that the diminution of the Air Ministry employees swelled unemployment, and he appealed to the Government to give a.n opportunity to them to seek Work. , H Lord Hugh Cecil said economy was the-supreme necessity. Mr Bonar Law stated that a system of doles must be demoralising. It was only justifiable by the abnormal condition arising out of the war. It -could not be allowed to become pe-rma.nen_t. One of the greatest social r.~r..m»..“s would be comprehensive unemployment insurance, to which the workers Could largely contribute, but it could not be effected withoutdthe cooperation .of organised Labour. This would be impossible if Labour was led to think a donation would be obtainable without eontribu-tion. The Government was willing to consider extension until the spring if there was general agreement. (Cries of “Yes” followed by “Noes.”). Mr Bonar Law replied that the decision must be left to. a division. Mr Clynes’ test amendment, to reduce the Ministry of Labouifs vote, was negatived by 217 to 213, which means the cessation of payments to civilians.