Mr. Bonar Law made an important statement of Unionist policy
at Norwich on Thursday night, the most interesting point being that when the Unionists came into power they would try to appoint an impartial committee to consider whether it would be possible and desirable to convert the Insurance Act into a voluntary system. The other chief points were as follows : (1) The Unionist leaders propose a duty on manufactured imports not exceeding an average of 10 per cent. There would, of course, be no food taxes. (2) The tariff would be combined with a system of preference throughout the Empire. (3) The burdens of agriculture would be relieved so as to compensate the farmer for any higher prices due to the tariff. (4) A Royal Commission ought to inquire into the whole land question. If it reported in favour of a minimum wage, the Unionists would accept that decision. Finally Mr. Bonar Law repeated that any proposals for the settlement of the Ulster question would be considered by Unionists not in the interests of party but in those of the nation.
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