Debate Magazine
That the conservative opposition to too much government
control is not a matter of principle but is concerned with the particular aims
of government is clearly shown in the economic sphere.
Conservatives usually
oppose collectivist and directivist measures in the industrial field, and here
the liberals will often find allies in them. But at the same time conservatives
are usually protectionists and have frequently supported socialist measures in
agriculture. Indeed, though the restrictions which exist today in industry and
commerce are mainly the result of socialist views, the equally important
restrictions in agriculture were usually introduced by conservatives at an even
earlier date.
