1940-07-24 — Page 7

Wednesday:

NANCY

OH. LISTEN · DEAR--- "LO, ¿PLEASE DON'T SMOKE HONEY? TONIGHT-- NANCY

TOLD ME SHE CAN'T STAND YOUR PIPE/

OH, IS

THAT

·SO?

I'LL SHOW THAT IMP WHO'S BOSS AROUND

HERE

HONGKONG TELEGRAPH

??

July 24, 1940.

By Ernie Bushmiller

The SINCERE Co Ltd.

HONGKONG'S GRE

TMENTS

STORE

TELEMAC

ABSOLUTE · POWER

POWER FOR

MEN AND PROPERTY

CONTROLLED: BANKS TAKEN OVER

WITHOUT a word of warning, without a hint of advance publicity, in less than two and a half hours Parliament gave the Government full rein to do what- ever it likes to win the war.

discussion,

In this short period was con- said this was not a time for lengthy centrated the highest form of drama. Here is the story of how the new Emergency Powers Bill became law.

"Mr. Attlee," said the Speaker, after the short list of questions.

Nobody knew what it was at nisout, and there was a hush as the Acting Leader of the House rose..

He spoke in clear, sharp tones from of typewritten notes, theels was complete master of himself and In a few seconds becarna master of his listeners.

גו

Jew

for showing that the House of Com- It was a time for action-a time mons could be a completely effelent instrument for the conditet of war.

The Labour Party, therefore, gave their full support to the measure.

BECOMES LAW IN 22 HOURS

HERE is the time-table of the Emergency Bill's progress, showing the speed at which Parliament can work in a crisis: Introduced by

Mr. Attlee 3.45 p.m. Second Reading 5. 8 p.m. Through

Commons 5.30 p.m. Introduced in

All

To

CABINET

Excess

Profit

Exchequer

It is proposed that firms should be grouped for the full utilisation of labour and to prevent waste.

In certain instances there will be coinpulsory notification of all men who are stood off or on short time through the employment exchanges.

These firms engaged in munitions supply will be brought under con- trol and become controlled establish-

ments.

The Minister of Labour proposes to set on foot a bald and comprehensive scheme of training.

Training facilities are available in the Ministry of Labour and in the technical schools and so forth.

Lords 5.41 p.m. Through Lords. 5.57 p.m. Royal Assent

6. 9 p.m.

It is proposed that where non- ***** | federated Arms are standing out and not observing agreements, they shall observe agreements.

Sir P. Harris (L., Bethnal Green, j. There will be power to inspect SW.) said these were drastic powers, premises and require proprietors to but he did not suppose in the history | produce books. of the country had our danger been more real or the threat to the State more Imminent.

Nothing would give the country greater confidence than to know that "No need for phale, but give us the Government was prepared to power." was his theme. And the take action rapidly, even against all powers he asked for were more constitutional practice. sweeping than any Britain has Parliament, of course, must be ever known, extending over all per-vigilant when occasion arose to see sons and all forms of property. that these drastic powers were not

unfairly used.

The resolution was carried with a unanimous shout of "Aye."

Men were fighting, he said. The Government's object was to mobilise now all the effective resources of the nation for whatever tasks might come upon us.

A little later bath Houses of Par- liament had swung into line behind a grim and clear-cut policy given to them in clear-cut ferins by a mon who a week or two ngo was Lender of the Opposition.

Nation Faces Crisis

Mr. Ature sald:

I rise to Inform the House that the present situation is so critical that the Government is compelled to seek

special powers from the House by Bill to be passed through all stages

in

both Houses of Parliament to-day. The situation is grave.

Every member in fully aware of that, and every member is aware of

the issues at stake.

Commandeer Property

The House then took the Second Reading of the Bill. Opening the debate, Mr. Attles said:—

The object is to mobilise the effer- tive resources of the nation what- ever tasks may come upon us now.

I am convinced the bulk of the work will be done with the good will of all and the co-operation of organised labour in carrying these things out.

As for control of properly, some establishments will be controlled al- together right away, others may be controlled later on.

They will in effect be working on Government account with wages and prots under Government control.

The Excess Profits Tax will be

The essential thing is that at this tline we should see that there is no waste of the essential skilled inbour which is available.

But I cannot end without again stressing what I am quite mare is in the mind of everybody--that at this time everything for which we sland Is in jeopardy.

Our political rights, our rights of conscience, our Industrial rights, everything would go if we did noi defeat the enemy, (Checm.)

I do not believe it is necessary toļ make a long appeal to the people of this country.

1

I am quite certain that everybody knows what is at stake, and while All these powers are necessary the real force behind us lo-day is the will and determination of a free people. (Cheers.)

Mr. A. Maclaren (Lab., "Burslem): Are we going to take powers to con- trol land?

Mr. Attleo; The hon, member is right to sirem the importance of land. I said property, and land is essentially real property,

Davidson (Lab., Maryhill)

There must be the utmost co-asked what control there would be operation between all those working of firms which might seek to. per- for the common end.

petuate war-time labour conditions and which did not desire Gevem- ment work after the war.

The Minister of Lahour. intends to work in the closest co-operation with trade unions and employers' organi- 'sations.

Mr. Allee said he quite realised that such things might happen, but It may be that cases will arise the general principle was that there where industrial customs and gree-would be definite conditions Imposed ments must be set aside for the time. upon employers.

It is essential that everybody who Mr. Maxton complained that the is engaged in this great effort should Lord Privy Seal had been very de be satisfied that the rights he has finite on labour powers, but very,

had shall reranin living and in being very vague as to what was going to

It is proposed therefore that there be done about property." at the rate of 100 per cent. There

should be an addition to the Fair) - must be no profit out of the na-Wages Clause. tional emergency.

I believe in this critical time, the vast majority of the people of this

Other establishments may bc country will willingly give their services to the country and will do ordered to carry on, perhaps, at a loss, but there must be power to carry on essential services.

all that is naked of them.

The Bill is introduced not be- If people are put into a position cause we have any doubt about where they are making a loss they the willingness of the people, but must have adequate remuneration. because in an emergency like the The essential thing is that a very. present there must be the neces-wide field of industry, I cannot say sary powers for the Government. how wide, will be carried on for the and not for The operative part of the Bili is community in fact the extension of the Emergency private profit. Powers Defence Act, 1930.

There may be cases where firms In Clause One the powers con-will have to be closed down. ferred include power by Order in There may have to be destruction Council to make defence re- of properly here and there.

making provision requiring"} There will be tie dieult question

Control of Banks

be

at the

A great battle is now proceedings "Our menut sen on land, and in gulations, the air are fighting with splendid persons to place themselves, their of compensation. courage, devotion and skill in com- services and their property pany with the freedom-loving people disposal of His Majesty. who are our Allies.

This

my done as

as appears to In an emergency these things can The result of that but ear to all be necessary or expedient for secur not know, but it must be to ing pubile safety, the defence of not be worked out, and in the mean- that the next few weeks are critical. the realm, the maintenance of public while there will have to be a

Our ruthless enemy is restrained order, or the cleient prosecution of

Interim compensation. by no considerations of International the war, or for maintaining supplies law, justice, or humanity, and is and services essential to the life of throwing everything Into the scale to the community,

force the decision.

We are resolved he shall not suc ceed.

The Government is convinced that now is the time when we must mobilise to the full the whole resources of this country.

We must throw all our weight lato | the struggle. (Hear, hear).

There will also have to be con- trol of the finances of the country and the banks,

It may be done centrally. It may The secont section gives power to be, it conditions require, that it will amend legislation passed since the have to be done through regional beginning of the war, and the third commissioners. the original Act for another year. Important point is the extension of

Minister's Wide Powers

At the moment I cannot give more than an indiention of the kind of action that may have to be taken.

are orders

these Under whose things going to be done?

The Act would expire in August, Every private interest must give. No one con tell what the position They will be done

ne under the may be in. August, and therefore it orders of the Government, and the is best to extend the Act now.

order will be given in encit case by

way to the urgent needs of the com- munity.

We cannot know what the next

I do not want anyone to jump to the Minister concerned with that few weeks or even days may bring the conclusion that all of a sudden particular national activity.

jeveryone is going to be ordered to If conditions enforce it, control

forth,

Complote Control

But whatever many come we shall

may have to be exercited through the regional commissioners.

Now let me take one particular

do something different from what be is doing now.

The essential thing in an emer- meet it as the British people in the rency is that everybody should con- part of the scheme already worked past have met dangers and over: tinue at their jobs until they are out in detall.

that the

come then,

ordered to do otherwise.

It is essential in this crisis that But it is -necessary/

What is proposed is that there we should produce to the full all Government should be given com- should be control over persons and our essential munitions. plete control over persona and over property.

The Minister of Labour will be property, not just some persons of

The Minister of Labour will be given the responsibility of supplying some particular class of the com-

given power to direct any person the labour required for the pro- munity, but over all persons, rich¦ to perform any service required, grammes of the various departments, or poor, employer or worker, snan

or woman, and all property.

it is for these powers I am asking the House this afternoon.

I do not ask them in any spirit; of panic. There is no need for panic. We are asking that in this emergency we should be given the powers that may be needed.

In order to pass the Bill through

That does not necessarily mean service in munitions or fociorlen. It does not apply only to workmen. applies to everybody.

11

The Minister will be able to pro- scribe terms of remuneration, hours of labour and conditions of service.

Remuneration will bo on the basis of remuneration for the job. If an engineer is usked to do en- all its stages it will be necessary to sincering work he gets engineering move a procedure resolution without pay. If someone else is asked to de his particulur job he gets his usual The Government asks the House wage. The professiosul mun gets to acquiesce in this procedure in professional salary. view of the great peril in which the nation stands to-day,

notice.

To Inspect Accounts

Chief Production

He proposes to set up at once a Production Counell consisting of representatives of the chief Gov- ernment departments, concerned with munitions supply the Ad- miralty, the Ministries of Aircrați Production, Supply. Labour, Agri-1 culture, and Mines.

Under this employers who do 'not at the end of this war restore any customs or conditions set aside for the war will be ineligible to come on the list of Government contractora.

A Volce: Permanently?

Mr. Attlees Certainly, until they comply.

I cannot give more than the broad.

Munition Board

details.

:

I have tried to give you a picture of an immediate piece of work.

is you may How immediate it

| gather-when-1-say-it-is proposed that the Munitions Board should meet to- night to get on with the job.

I have only been able to indiente some lines on which action will be taken.

What other action will be trikken

must depend on how events move.

STOCK MARKET REPORT

Hongkong Stock Exchange Official Summary issued yesterday says:

Market continues steady and with continuation of enquiries but there is still a prenounced dearth of scrip." Buyers

Union Insurances $340 Docks (Old) $15.30 Docks (New) $15

Providents $3.75

Lands $31.50

Trams $16.40

China Lights (Old) 30.40 Electries (Old) $36.50 Cements $14.25

Watsons $8.40

Sellers H.K. Banks $1,200 "Hotels" $3,75

Telephonez (Old) $22.50

ssics "Yaumati Ferries $21

Electries (Old) $37. Eléctrica (Now) $35.50 Telephones (Old) $22.25 Dairy Farms $18.15 Watsons $8.00.

That Production Council will be presided over by the Minister with-as out Portfolio (Mr. Greenwood),

OUSTED

Arthur Diotrich,

press attache of German Lo.. gation in Moxico City, brother of Hitler's pross chief, ousted by Maxicans.

Surrender Refused

American Planes At Martinique

New York, July 23.

M. Georges Pleot, Director-General of the French Purchasing Commis- sion, declared in a statement to-day that France

retnining was

the American-made war planes at pre- sent at Martinique.

He said that the agreement of June 10 transferring French contracts for war materials in the United Slates to Britain did not apply to materials which had already Jeft United States waters-United Press.

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THE KING has sent this message to Mr. Winston Churchill Premier and Minister of Defence

wish to express.my admiration of the outstanding skill and bravery shown by the three Services and the Merchant Navy in the evacuation of the B.E.F. from Northern France.

It is proposed to set up a Director for Labour Supply, with full-time assistants drawn from trade unions and employers.

There will be local organisation The resolution is in precisely the But if a man is asked i to do manualbused on the area boards. on August 28 last year for the pur- The general principle is remunera-Will there be no office of works in

Mr. Davidson (Lab., Maryhill): Force, "pose of passing the original Emer-tion for the job, and these will be fi

Keney Polvers (Defence) Bill the rates of normal pay given by Mr. Attlee: No there will be full-final stages, the tireless efforts of naval units of every kind. · through all its stages on the same good employers. day.

samo form as that which was moved work he gets manual pay.

The Bill is available in the vote Mr. Lees-Smith (Lab, Keighley)

office now.

1

-- "So-difficult an operation was made possible only by brilliant leadership and an indomitable, spirit among all ranks of the The measure of Its success-greater than we had dared to hope-was due to the unfulfing support of the R.A.F. and, in the

control of building operations.

While we acclaim this great feat, in which our French Allies, At all important centros labour supply committees will be set up to too, have played so important a part, we think, with heartfelt organisé local self-help for meeting sympathy of the loss and sufferings of those brave men whosó to deal with things of this kind.. dimculties in the labour supply. self-sacrifice has turned disaster into triumph.

If there are cases where people are asked to shift from one district

to another, there should be payment

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