Mr. Chamberlain ended his speech by references to social reform,
and by pointing out that his policy found its most violent opponents in the orthodox Free-traders. After re- calling what the Unionist party had done for the poor, he went on :—" Why do I recall that ? Because I say it is monstrous to suppose that a party with such a record would now come forward to impose greater burdens upon the poor." As to his policy of old-age pensions, Mr. Chamberlain declared that "it has no part whatever in the question of a reform in our fiscal policy. That is a matter which will come later. When we have the money then will be the time to say what we shall do with it; and if the working classes refuse to take my advice, if they prefer this immediate advantage, why it stands to reason that if, for instance, they are called. upon to pay 3d. a week additional on the cost of their bread, they may be fully, entirely relieved by a reduction of a similar amount in the cost of their tea, their sugar, or even of their tobacco." In other words, as long as the duties are put on food, Mr. Chamberlain does not desire to dogmatise how the money thus raised is to be spent.
