This speech overshadowed even that of Mr. Lloyd George, whose
contribution to the debate was little more than a question mark. " Had the Government a plan or were they resigned to having a million or a million and a half living on charity ? " He made no suggestions himself. It was a clever tactical move. He wants to expose the bankruptcy of Government policy and so heighten the effect of his own proposals when he is ready to make them in concrete form. Mr. Chamberlain, in his reply, gave the speech little attention, but directed instead close examination to the criticisms of Mr. Boothby. He was far less negative than usual, expressing himself in favour of " the unification " of mining royalties, and also the extensive provision of flats for the poorest members of the community in the big cities, but he was against an extension of the road programme. The speech created a good impression and Members rose for the Christmas recess in better heart with regard to the Government's unemployment policy than when they met in the autumn.
Previous page
