We have dealt at great length with Mr. Lloyd George's
speech, but must find space to notice the passage in which he answered our article of a fortnight ago "A very able article appeared in the Spectator last Saturday week criticising the scheme of the Government. They have taken a very consistent course; they are the official organ of the indi- vidualist party. They oppose the scheme, they have always been against it, they are against all schemes of this character. They are frankly and ruthlessly individualist. What is the line they take ? First of all they opposed old-age pensions at the expense of the State in any shape or form. Then they proceeded to analyse and condemn various disqualifications ; and then they said it might be objected that these two positions were incon- sistent, that first of all they objected to any burden being placed on the community, and then they condemned disqualifications which had the effect of lessening that burden; but they added that they were entitled to take their own way of combating old- age pensions. Bear that in mind. They say frankly, We know perfectly well that if you eliminate these disqualifications you will add so much to the burden that the Government will have to abandon the scheme.' That may be true ; that is their way of killing old-age pensions. I invite the Supporters of old-age pensions not to fall into the trap, and I slide dam to'-support the Government not merely on the principle of the Bill; eetsbliehier at the exticifise of the State provision or old age, but also in die- qualifleations whioh I confess may appear harsh and unjust for the Moment."
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