On Wednesday a special Conference of representatives of the manufacturers'
associations affiliated to the Federation of British Industries passed strong resolutions to the effect that direct taxation on production was endangering the stability of the nation's industries, that the taxable capacity of the country had already been exceeded, and that the Government must effect drastic economies in all Departments of the State. The alarm about excessive taxation is real and is growing. In the baffling channel through which the ship of State is being steered extravagance is the most dangerous of the rocks. On it we shall split if we are not careful. The whole subject of Govern- ment extravagance is bound to be brought to a head next week. It is useless for Mr. Lloyd George to call upon private persons to be economical if the Government do not set a far better example than they have already done.
Previous page
