Big Business Boss Says Workless Needed for National Plan

Speaking in Sheffield on October 5th, Sir Eric Mensforth, chairmen of Westland Aircraft and of Firth Brown Tools, said that some unemployment was needed to secure the aims of the five-year plan, "When so simple a piece of modernisation as the liner train is baulked. at, how great a task we face in adopting new techniques," declared Sir Eric, who is also deputy chairman of John Brown and Cos, when he was installed as 342nd Master Cutler in Sheffield, "I believe public opinion is braver than political, and ahead of trade union; 2nd the majority of people, given leadership, are hardworking and will grasp opportunity....eAn incomes policy able to withstand bullying will have to be sincerely sought, but, at the same time, we are not in Utopia, and with human nature what it often is there will have to be the sanction of unemployment - I hope small, but enough to make a good job something to strive for. Politicians, while relieving want, must not negate this by elimin:tin: the differential between pay for good work and deliberate idleness...eThe myths of the right to strike on any pretext and that negotiation means supine capitul:tion to demands must goe Instead there must be recognition thet with privilege goes responsibility."