On Wednesday in the Commons Mr. Crooks moved a resolu-
tion declaring that there should be a minimum wage of at least 30s. per week for every adult worker in urban areas, and a minimum wage that would secure an approximately equal standard of life for adult workers in rural areas. Mr E. Craig, who opposed the motion, warned the Labour Party that such a scheme would further raise the cost of living, that we might lose our markets abroad, and that the total result would be, not a higher standard of comfort, but more widespread unemployment. Mr. J. M. Robertson told the Labour Party that their proposal was quite impracticable. Mr. Snowden had admitted that if such a law as the Labour Party wanted were passed under the present conditions, the Lancashire cotton mills could not remain open for a week. Unemployment would be enormously aggravated. What the Government did intend to do was to extend the system of Trade Boards to chosen industries. The quack medicine is poisonous, but the Government will "exhibit" a small dose if sufficiently pressed!
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