In the Commons on Tuesday Mr. Lloyd George unexpectedly produced
a new Defence of the Realm Bill. Its purpose is to bring the industrial resources of the country where necessary ander Government control. Mr. Lloyd George insisted on the importance of a larger output of munitions of war, upon which not only the duration of the war but its result depended. Of course the Government had already assumed control of factories producing war material, but they now proposed to control factories where war material might in future be produced. The Government wished to enable employers to get out of any difficulties with their workmen which they might experience when called upon to throw their works into the common stock. Mr. Boner Law said the powers claimed were the most drastic ever proposed to the House of Commons. They enabled the Government to dictate to manufacturers what they might and might not make. If the powers were abused incalculable harm might be done. Nevertheless, he could not offer any opposition, for the Government must necessarily have any powers they demanded to use the full resources of the nation. In his own opinion, the Government should employ the talents of business men to a greater extent.
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