Mr Williams at Conisborough

November 1923

Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Williams,_Baron_Williams_of_Barnburgh

24/11/1923

Mr. Williams at Conisborough

The Labour candidate addressed a crowded meeting in the Co-operative Hall, Conisborough on Monday night.


Mr. Williams said the Conservative Party had forced a “snap election” on the plea that they had just discovered the remedy for unemployment, but he thought that we did not want an antiquated mid-Victorian remedy to cure a 1923 flesh-wound. He did not think that Protection could solve our problems, it had never solved any problems in any country in Europe.

We had a super-abundance of commodities in England because we had not the purchasing power. By lowering wages we were intensifying the problem of unemployment.

Dealing with the Capital levy he said that this was as necessary now as it was three years ago but it would have been better then as it would have reduced the National debt by three thousand millions and would have saved four hundred and fifty millions in interest.

He went on to state that the wealth of a nation is the health of that nation; unless there were happy houses there would be no real wealth. He appealed for a real spirit of brotherhood.

A question was put asking Mr. Williams why he voted against reducing the beer and tobacco tax. Mr. Williams explained that he voted for the amendment which would have made the brewer pay eight shillings instead of four and the Government sixteen shillings instead of a pound.

Questioning regarding the proposed grant of £1 per acre for stable land he stated that this would mean no increase for the labourer in this part of the country, as labourers wages here were 32 ¾ – to 42/- per week.

Mr. Williams also said that 90 per cent of the Capital Levy could be collected by cancellation of War Loans.

The “fit and proper” resolution was moved by Mr. Brownsword, seconded by Mr. C Bashforth, and supported by Mr. J. Hedworth.

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