“That this House views with regret the growing volume of unemployment, and, recognizing the responsibility of the State towards members of the community who are bereft of the means of livelihood, is of opinion that every possible step should be taken to arrest the decline in trade and industry and to provide work or, in default, adequate maintenance for those whose labour is not required in the ordinary market.”
The current views of the Labour members in respect of unemployment were very fully stated, and the parliamentary debate should be read. Shortly put, their points were these:
(1) The unemployment problem is a national problem; it can only be successfully solved by the State; it ought not to be left for local treatment by local authorities.
(2) Work should be found by the Government for every workless citizen, willing to work, and, failing that, adequate maintenance.
(3) The volume of agriculture should be increased and smallholdings encouraged.
(4) Trade relations should be established with Russia, Bulgaria, Turkey, and other former enemy countries.
(5) The Government should establish new trades and industries in this country.
(6) Public works should be undertaken, like afforestation, main and other roads.
Critically read, the debate seems strangely barren of any really constructive suggestions by the Labour Party.
Later, on December 16, 1920, the Labour Party sent a deputation to the Minister of Labour to urge him to accept the following propositions in regard to unemployment: