D.O.R.A. MAINTAINED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XL, Issue 9146, 31 October 1919, Page 5

D.O.R.A. MAINTAINED.

MR BOMAR LAW'S STATEMENT.

(Received Oct. 31., II a.m.) p . LONDON, Oct, 28. Sir Gordon Hewart, in moving the second reading of the War Emergency Laws .Continuance. Bill, explained that it was intended to continue certain parts of tho Defence oi' the Realm Act and other war-time regulations, but to: I abolish the passport regulations, and" the power of billeting soldiers, the prohibition of processions, and imprisonment without trial. The. administrators of Ireland had advised, in view of the present state of affairs, that the scope of - the original Bill should not yet be diminished.-

. Criticism, taking the line that the regulations are no longer necessary, culminated in Sir F. Banbury's amendment to adjourn the debate to enable the Government to introduce a more acceptable measure.

Mr Bonar. Law pointed out that peace would probably be ratified in February or 'March, and possibly ratified before next session, therefore the Government could not take the risk of postponement. The sudden withdrawal of regulations would result, in chaos. The 'Bill operates for the maximum of a year. The abandonment of tho regulations would cause serious coal shortage, and prices of food and coal would rise enormously. The country was making marvellous .strides towards; a resumption of normal conditions, and tho Bill was necessary for the protection of trade. The House must make up its' mind .whether the clatter outside suggesting tho Government had lost the national confidence was true.

The amendment was defeated by 283 votes to 77.