We cannot summarize the whole of Mr. Lloyd George's long
speech. The main points, however, were : (1) That the Export Credits scheme is to be rearranged and extended. The State will guarantee 100 per cent. instead of 85 per cent. Longer credits will be given—up to six years. (2) Special facilities will be provided for developing trade with countries whose Prospects afford adequate guarantees. (3) There will be a State guarantee of interest on loans for capital undertakings or enterprises promoting employment. The loans may be raised by any Dominion or foreign Government or by any Rublic authority or by any authorized group of persons. The
total State liability for such loans is not to exceed £25,000,000. This, of course, is the most important of the Government's pro- posals. We imagine that there will be many applications fox loans, whereas hitherto the amount applied for and granted under the Export Credits scheme has been only about £3,000,000, (4) £10,000,000 is to be granted for relief works. (5) There is to be a new insurance fund with a levy of 2d. per week for the worker, 2d. for the employer, and 3d. for the State. (0) Help is to be granted to needy areas, and loans will be advanced to the Boards of Guardians in such areas.
