The Budget is little more than a continuation of the Government's general economic policy of putting sterling, that is, British imperialism, as top priority, There is nothing in this Budget for the poor, the homeless, or the unemployed. Mr, Wilson's pragmatism amounts to a system of priorities where the unfortunate become important only in terms of votes, This being case, an increase in the old age pension is almost certain to be postponed until shortly before a general election. This Budget is so right-wing that even people to the right of centre have been quick to denounce it: Mr, Robert Sheldon and Mr, Joel Barnett, chairman and vice-chairman of the Labour Party's economic study group commented: "A safety-first policy for the pound has been pursued, Nothing has been done to halt the decline in industrial investment, reduce the large-scale unemployment, or promote growth in the economy," The Times business section leader concludes ".,.we are going to have to live witm an overall level of unemployment of around 2% for some little while...." That may be * alright for the pound, but it is just toobad for the unemployed, This Budget is further indication that this Government is viciously antiworking class and must be fought. Surely there can be no one who honestly thinks that the way to fight for socialism in this country is to try and influence it? |
D.A.T.A.'S STRUGGLE One item in this week's issue is entitled "Growing support for D,A.T.A." Whilst this is true, it is to be regretted that the scale of the support is meagre and confined largely to smaller unions, ‘Surely all sections of the movement must realise that the fundamental principle of trade unionism - unity is strength - applies in the case of the shipyard lock out, If this struggle is lost every two—bit employer will be encouraged to follow tbe example of the shipyard employers, Can even the right-wing of the engineering and shipbuilding unions! leadership be so blind as to/Péalise that their very exsitence is in danger? A great campaign of solidarit with D.A.T.A. must be organised,