14 FEBRUARY 1931, Page 3

Unemployment, the Government and the Liberals A meeting between Ministers

and some of the Liberal leaders in Downing Street on Tuesday signified a more formal Labour-Liberal arrangement. The Liberals, of course, desire a large loan for development to cure unemployment, and they are ensured a debate on the subject after we have gone to press. An accommodation has, after all, not been very difficult, for although Mr. Snowden strongly objects to a large loan—which would have the certain effect of " queering the pitch " for whatever conversion projects he has in view—he has stated that he will find the money for any development scheme which can be proved to be economically pro- ductive. The onus of proof therefore rests upon the Liberals. But Mr. Snowden's grave speech on Wed- nesday made it evident that the proofs will have to be exceptionally impressive.