Meaning: Barbara Castle, a prominent British politician, made this statement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a fair and equitable system of resource allocation and planning even after the war. This quote reflects the post-war policy-making efforts of the British government and the broader commitment to social and economic justice.

During World War II, many countries, including the United Kingdom, implemented various measures to ensure fair distribution of resources and control over the economy to support the war effort. This often involved government intervention in economic planning and the implementation of controls to prevent hoarding and ensure equitable distribution of essential goods and services.

Barbara Castle's statement highlights the government's conscious effort to maintain these systems of fair shares, planning, and controls beyond the immediate needs of wartime. This reflects a recognition of the potential benefits of such measures in promoting social and economic stability and equity in the post-war period.

After the war, the British government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Clement Attlee, embarked on a series of reforms aimed at creating a more just and equitable society. This included the implementation of the welfare state, nationalization of key industries, and the establishment of various social and economic policies aimed at reducing inequality and improving the living standards of the population.

Barbara Castle, as a politician and a key figure in the Labour Party, was actively involved in shaping and implementing these policies. Her quote suggests that the government's commitment to maintaining fair shares, planning, and controls was a deliberate and conscious decision aimed at ensuring that the principles of social and economic justice established during the war would continue to guide post-war reconstruction and development.

In the context of post-war Britain, the commitment to fair shares and planning was reflected in various policy initiatives. This included the rationing system, which continued for several years after the war to ensure fair distribution of scarce resources. Additionally, the government's emphasis on economic planning and the nationalization of industries reflected a broader commitment to ensuring that the benefits of economic development were shared more equitably across society.

Barbara Castle's quote also reflects the broader ideological and political debates of the time. The post-war period saw significant discussions and debates about the role of the state in the economy, the balance between individual freedom and collective responsibility, and the need for social and economic reforms to address the inequalities and injustices that existed in society.

In summary, Barbara Castle's quote captures the post-war commitment of the British government to maintaining a system of fair shares, planning, and controls as part of a broader effort to promote social and economic justice. This commitment was reflected in various policy initiatives and reflected the broader ideological and political debates of the time. Castle's role as a politician and her active involvement in shaping post-war policies underscores the significance of her statement in capturing the spirit of post-war reconstruction and the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.