[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] S111 , — Your correspondent, the Rev.
Basil D. Reed, rightly suggests that the State must recognize "'that no ordinary agricultural worker can pay from his present wages-more than
4a: a week, including rates, for his 'cottage," and he asks for suggestions for the' provision of such buildings at such rents. May I suggest one—v:ra, that an Act of Parliament be procured, with the assistance of the Labour Party, if they really desire the removal of the slums, permitting all recipients of what is commonly called " the dole " to be dealt with as unemployed, if they will offer their services, without charge, for half a week for unskilled work provided by local authorities in workmen's house-building schemes : and that in return for this such " dole " recipients shall be free to earn any wage which they can obtain, for the remainder of the week, in addition to their " dole", There is ample oppor- tunity for the employment of unemployed men in house building work, as Mr. Winston Churchill has clearly demon- strated, by personal efficient unskilled work.
Such a method would increase the incomes of " dole " men, add to their self-respect, and largely cheapen the rent of workmen's houses. It would also distinguish between the idle and genuine unemployed.—I am, Sir, &c.,
Meran, Italy. 11ERESFORD POTTER, Sometime Archdeacon in Cyprus. P.S.—I feel convinced that large numbers of sympathizers would come forward to advance the required capital for the erection of such substitutes for slums. At present there is nothing to be done, as _workmen paiinot, pay the_rents required for decent buildings.
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