20 SEPTEMBER 1919, Page 3

The British Commonwealth Union have sent us a calculation of

what the resolutions passed by the Trades Union Congress would mean in public money spent. The calculation takes into account only the resolutions in favour of (1) a forty-four hour week and the prohibition of systematic overtime, (2) an income- tax with a minimum income limit of £250 a year, and (3) an old age pension of £1 a week for all persons of sixty years of age and upwards. It is calculated that these schemes would impose upon the country a fresh burden of 750 million pounds. The immediate net burden due to the war—namely, debt charge and pensions—is 450 million pounds. "The fact that these reso- lutions were unanimously passed," adds the British Common- wealth Union, ".is a. good commentary on the loose economic thinking which characterised the proceedings of the Congress."