17 APRIL 1947, Page 5

A manifesto which the Parliamentary Socialist Christian Group has just

issued over the signatures of fifty Labour Members of the House of Commons, including four Ministers (and six from another place) contains one assertion which cannot be too strongly emphasised. " Material incentives,' now widely canvassed (it runs) may be neces- sary ; they will be worthless and futile unless the extra effort is also inspired by a spiritual and social dynamic more intense than any in our recent experience." If that principle—that as a matter of self- respect every job a man undertakes to do he should undertake to do well, that as a matter of honour he should offer in exchange for his pay not the minimum but a reasonable maximum of effort—could be established and generally accepted, it is a literal fact that two-thirds, perhaps more, of our production difficulties would be dispelled. But the problem is lamentably old.

CC The constant service of the antique world

When service sweat for duty, not for meed." That was written three centuries and a-half ago.