"GOLDEN EGGS— TO ORDER"
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AS stated in your leading article of March 21, the Economic Debate made it clear that management is expected to carry the full burden of responsibility in implementing the Government's programme.
There are certain obvious means for increasing production (the desired target), which require the employment of no super planners. These should be placed at the service of those who are carrying the burden of responsibility.
(1) The working of a 5i-day week and not 5.
(2) A bonus on output rather than time work.
(3) A reduction of exports of goods required for home consumption.
(4) Freedom for industry from political control or interference.
(1) and (2) are so obvious that they hardly need comment. As regards (3), it must be clear by now that the mere increase of money tokens in pay packets, which have little, or no purchasing power, is of no avail. Goods must be made available to increase their value. Similarly, industry requires tools and equipment for the production of goods; at present it is crippled for the
want of these. By increasing our exports at the cost of starving our own home markets we. are reducing ourselves to impotency and strengthening the hands of our future competitors.
(4) The carrying on of industry is far too scientific a matter to be the subject of political treatment disguised as national planning. Industry can purchase its own raw materials, plan its markets, and produce the goods more effectively than can be done by any outside control.
All that a Government can hope to do successfully is to grant financial assistance towards re-equipping our war-worn industries, and help, as far as possible, to obtain fair play for the sale of our products overseas.
Trades unions which are at present playing at politics would serve their own interests to greater advantage by looking to the employers in industry, rather than to the politician, for increased prosperity for their members.
Despite all the abuse the politicians have showered on employers, they have, in conjunction with the operatives, created what wealth we enjoy, and will continue to do so in the future. The politician does not create, but only expends wealth.
Preston. C. LE M. GOSSELIN (For H. Viney and Co., Ltd.).