UNDER-PRODUCTION AND UNEMPLOYMENT
Sta,—The Government has announced that it will intensify the pro- duction campaign by more factory talks and other propaganda. It is to be hoped that attention will be paid to one of the chief factors deterring workers to-day from greater output—the fear of unemploy-
ment. Talks that missioners of the Industrial Christian Fellowship have had with trade union officials in many parts of the country indicate that a large percentage of older workers, with memories of unemploy- ment in the 'thirties, still believe that any great increase in produc- tion Om will only hasten the return of the industrial saturation point and consequent unemployment. The Government could do much to dispel these fears by making workers realise the needs of many of our industries. In the housing industry, for example, long-term require- ments are estimated at between three and five million houses, and almost every industry catering for the home-owner can be certain of a steady demand for many years ahead. The motor-car trade needs three years to catch up with current orders. Agriculture and the mines can absorb additional workers indefinitely. These are facts which should be driven home to workers by graphs, by films, by booklets, by talks and by every means of propaganda. For, provided we prodnce and export enough goods to obtain raw material imports, we have it within our power to ensure full employment for as far ahead as we can General Director.
Industrial Christian Fellowship, z Broadway, S.W.r.
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