ABSTRACT
The Attlee government was in charge of post-war reconstruction, and though legislation was to follow the pattern laid down by the war-time reports, much of the administration was to follow Labour Party concepts. Poverty was to be attacked by the technique of social insurance along Beveridge lines, with a National Assistance Board to meet the needs of those who were uninsured, or whose insurance benefit was insufficient. Unemployment was to be contained by the technique hinted at in the White Paper on Full Employment, and ill-health was to be provided for by a health service that was universal and free. The Labour Party which came to power in 1945 had, of course, been part of the war-time coalition and was party to the decisions made by that government concerning postwar reconstruction. Being a Labour government it was also committed to a considerable expansion of the social services.
