Abstract
IN the United States, the direct barter of goods and services has developed rapidly since 1931 as a practical method of alleviating unemployment and social distress. So far, little appears to have been done in Great Britain along similar lines, possibly because social insurance is highly developed, whereas in the United States it is practically non-existent. It is of interest therefore to note that, according to Progress and the Scientific Worker, experimental barter schemes have been inaugurated near Cheltenham and Petersfield. The Cheltenham scheme was started under the leadership of Prof. Scott of University College, Cardiff. Four acres of land were purchased to be cultivated co-operatively by a group of men. They receive no remuneration for their work other than coupons signed by Prof. Scott according to the time spent on work. These coupons are equivalent in value to half a pound of potatoes, and can also be exchanged for knitted socks made by a member or for boot repairs undertaken by another member. Later on, it is hoped to extend the variety of goods and services obtainable for the coupons. At Peters-field the system is further developed and the work undertaken by various members includes cultivation of allotments, poultry farming, wood cutting, cobbling, carpentry and general repairs. To break up the land, a tractor has been borrowed from a local firm. The commodities or services are exchanged among the members while surplus farm produce is sent to an occupation centre in exchange for surplus clothes made in the centre.
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Barter in Great Britain. Nature 133, 865–866 (1934). https://doi.org/10.1038/133865d0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/133865d0