POLICY IN WAR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 June 1938, Page 7

POLICY IN WAR

BRITISH LABOUR MEMBERS ALARMED CONSCRIPTION OF LABOUR AND WEALTH OPPORTUNITY FOR DISCUSSION DEMANDED By Telegraph—Press Association Copyright. LONDON, May 31. Labour members were alarmed in the House of Commons by the Minister for Co-ordination of Defence, Sir Thomas Inskip, saying that in the event of war there was certain to be a competent authority to allocate a suitable position to each individual. Nobody could escape from it by choosing an attractive position in peace time, for instance in the territorials or as an air-raid warden. Mr J. C. Ede (Labour) interpreted this as meaning that legislative machinery had already been devised for conscription. Other Labour members demanded to know if the plans included the conscription of labour and wealth. Sir Thomas Inskip emphasised that 'the plans would be subject to submission to the House at the proper time. Labour speakers contended that the plans should be produced in the House immediately, and demanded an opportunuity for a full discussion. The debate automatically ended at 11.30 p.m. Sir Thomas Inskip, broadcasting said: “Joint plans have been prepared for the Navy and Air Force dealing with every emergency and providing complete trade protection. “Some of our greatest scientists are helping in the task of air defence. Some of the last discoveries are already coming into use. An enemy may expect to encounter some formidible and perhaps unexpected forms of defence.”