§ 42. Mr. Allaunasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the spread of automation, he will reconsider his economic policy to ensure that sufficient purchasing power is secured by the people to absorb the increased production.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe economic policy of the Government is constantly reviewed to take account of current developments. At present I see no signs that purchasing power is insufficient for our production.
§ Mr. AllaunDoes the Chancellor of the Exchequer appreciate that, if unemployment is to be avoided, the second industrial revolution will require more public planning, and not less?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir. The difficulty at present is that we have more unfilled vacancies than unemployment and there is really a pressure the other way round from that which the hon. Gentleman suggests in his Question.