Eshkol Emphasizes Economic Achievements of Sharett Regime

There are now about 13,000 unemployed in Israel, it was estimated here today by Finance Minister Levi Eshkol, while President Itzhak Ben Zvi was discussing with leaders of the various political parties the composition of the new Cabinet. Mr. Eshkol pointed out that the government must also take into account the problem of work for new immigrants, discharged soldiers, and those who work on temporary development projects.

“We hope that the development and employment projects, together with the expanding ability of the present economy to absorb labor, will be able to solve this weighty problem,” he said. He emphasized that “more and more a feeling of economic stability pervades” the public as the Sharett government prepares to step down.

“The food shortage,” he declared, “is being overcome by greater production. The prices of goods are being stabilized and quality is improving. Faith in Israel currency is growing. The people are becoming accustomed to willingly shoulder the burden of taxes, for their good and for the good of the state.” At the same time, he pointed out that the increasing signs of stability do not mean that Israel is on the road to relaxation. “We still have a long and difficult road ahead,” he stated.

Mr. Eshkol revealed that the number of families living in transit camps has been reduced to 14,400, but with the completion of the government building program in the summer of 1956, only 3,000 families will remain in these camps. The plan for immigrant housing includes 11,000 units for the absorption of people who are moving out of the transit camps, plus 4,500 units for the absorption of immigrants from North Africa. Twelve million Pounds will be spent this year toward realization of this program.