Terminating Controls
During the last week some welcome breaches have been made in the elaborate system of controls which is one of the most unpopular legacies of the war. This Thursday all women of any age and all men under 3o, except those employed in firms subject to the Essential Works Orders, are released from direction and are free to choose their own work or, if they wish, not to work at all. The exceptions are. of course, considerable, numbering 2,500,000 women and 6,5oo,00c men, but the position of the firms that remain subject to control is to be reviewed at once, and control will only be retained where the needs of national production and manpower demand it. Another relaxation comes into force on January 1st, when the system of licensing retail businesses will cease and the retail trade will be free for all who choose to enter. These signs of returning freedom. to which may be added the right to buy a motor car without a licence, are welcome. They will not satisfy those who believe the country would be better off if all controls had ended on VJ Day. Most people in the country, however, have recognised the necessity of retaining the controls that will assist the Government to plan the transition from war to peace ; but they do expect and demand a gradual relaxation. This week's instalment is a reassuring sign of the Government's intention to terminate controls as and when they become unnecessary.
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