Orders of the Day — Economic Situation (Government Proposals)

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 27 October 1949.

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Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse 12:00, 27 October 1949

I did not suggest that it was masochistic. I expressly said I did not think that people wanted cruelty. What I said was that it was a political stunt. That would apply quite as well to the Liberal Party as to the Conservative Party.

As I say, there have really been no constructive suggestions except by the right hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington, and I will deal with his suggestions. The right hon. Gentleman suggested the abolition of the food subsidies—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."] I understood so. Abolition or reduction—[HON. MEMBERS: "Yes."]—with a set off—I am trying to be scrupulously fair—by way of payments to various selected persons—the aged, the sick and the rest. I do not think that is unfair. The right hon. Gentleman will correct me if I am wrong.