WANTED : A NEW REFORM BILL [To the Editor of
the SPECTATOR.]
Sia,—I am, needless to say, deeply interested in the " New Reform Bill " proposed by Mrs. Sidney Webb. The essential consequence of the scheme, however, it seems to me, is not mentioned. This is, the practical abolition of Local Govern- ment, i.e., of County and Borough Councils. The duties of the proposed " National Assembly " are specifically and intentionally those of " domestic house-keeping." Another set of bodies also dealing with these problems and with separate taxing powers, would, I think, find itself crushed out. This seems to me supremely important, and it is this aspect of the scheme which I should desire to see further elucidated. (I take it that the proposed National Assembly would have taxing powers, for he who holds the purse holds power, and if it had no financial authority it would simply become a gigantic advisory committee.)—I am, Sir, &c.,
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