THE L.C.C. AND UNEMPLOYMENT [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sin,—The Advisory Couneillof the Building Industry publicly "urges the L.C.C. to proceed rapidly with its work particularly as the building industry is now suffering from unparalleled depression" (v. to-day's Times). Probably few people realize how large a share of the responsibility for the idle state of the building industry in London, which is deplorable, rests directly upon the L.C.C.
I am informed that in 1927 the building operatives on its Pay-roll numbered 14,000 odd ; at present the total is only 2,000 odd.
The L.C.C. have thus cast upon public relief the burden of some 12,000 men, along with their women and children. The taxpayer and the ratepayer are now feeding or half feeding some 50,000 men, women and children who might naturally look to the L.C.C.
There are still more than half a million people in London living in conditions of overcrowding according to the last Census ; and, in addition, the slum clearance problem awaits treatment. It cannot be said that the work is not there. Do the members of the L.C.C. realize how far their inaction has aggravated the position in London Y—I am, Sir, &c., 83 Cadogan Place,- S.W. 1. Nov. 14th G. W. Cumin:.
Previous page
