ORDERS OR THE DOLE.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—May I suggest to your readers that recent political happenings must not allow us to forget that orders for goods are the only real cure for unemployment ? What a difference it would make, for instance, if every purchaser in these islands asked this question : " Why am I not buying a British article ? " For quality, British goods are unsurpassed, and in many cases the present price is little above the 1911 level. These facts are well illustrated in the great tyre industry, which in Birmingham could double its wages sheet if every motorist bought British tyres.
Indeed, if only two British tyres were bought to every one foreigner, 63,000 rubber workers throughout Great Britain could be placed on full time at once. At present, over 8,000 of these workers are drawing unemployment benefit. All this is because we have spent during the three years 1920-22 no less than £13,896,918 on foreign tyres. The effect of this upon the Lancashire cotton market has been quite disastrous. In 1922, to take a typical year, some 5,000,000 lb. of woven material were imported in foreign motor covers. This is fourteen times' as much as was imported in fabric gloves. By supporting foreign industries, when our own could meet all our needs, we are merely taking bread out of the mouths of our fellow-countrymen. Thought on the part of those who buy can do a great deal. It is national service.—I am, Sir, &c.. P. J. HANNON.
House of Commons.
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