This latest Fabian pamphlet is based upon a series of discussions among Fabians in the trade union movement, assisted by John Hughes (Ruskin College) and Ken Alexander (University of Strathclyde) who drafted the finished text. The general theme of the pamphlet is the need to ‘build a Britain that is characterised by both more planning and more social justice, and that pursues both through the extension of democratic participation in our industries and economy.!
Incomes Policy can only be discussed, of course, from the background of the ‘conservative inheritance'. Apart from the industrial record the disproportionate incomes levels are seen as presenting a major problem for incomes policy from the start. The authors assert correctly that 'no solution is in sight' to these and other problems 'within the context of an unregulated economy'. Though what the Fabian group concerned see as a 'regulated economy! may be at variance to what other socialists consider . an acceptable minimum,
Some interest is expressed in package deals between unions and employers because it is 'only a step beyond this' 'to link forward bargaining to forward planning of industrial development.'! The point about unions chasing price rises by money wage awards must be taken by all trade unionists but is a NEDDY composed of men of 'goodwillt necessarily the best answer?
Obviously the Fabian group do not suggest that it is, but without any real say in the management and industrial policies of an industry the role of the workers is not altered and by the logic of the class struggle the worker can only rely on 'men of goodwill' in these conditions.
The group suggest that 'ways of making capitalist firms socially accountable' must be found and that it is up to the labour movement! to overcome its inertia in this respect. The separation of the political questions of private ownership of industry from the monetary question of incomes is a big barrier to a socialist incomes policy being adopted by the trade unions this summer, 'Open the books! is characterised as being a mere slogan by the Fabians in this pamphlet but the authors do not suggest any way of developing this theme beyond that position.
Socialists must read this Fabian work. The great debate on incomes policy has already started. Much that this pamphlet says will be argued about this summer. Part of the truth about incomes policy may be found in its pages. :
Gavin Kennedy. * A Fabian Group pamphlet, 3/6d.