DEVOLUTION SCHEME.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 187, 8 August 1919, Page 5

DEVOLUTION SCHEME.

FOR UNITED KINGDOM. CLEARING IRISH ATMOSPHERE MAY COME INTO L.INE. ißy Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, August 7. A prominent member of the House of Commons who holds office, interviewed regarding the committee set up under the presidency of the Speaker of the House of Commons to consider the question of devolution all round, says that an Imperial Federation is not involved, though comparisons of the Constitutions' of Australia, Canada and South Africa would be most useful. Such comparisons would also accustom British electors to the Federal idea. The committee would formulate a scheme of devolution powers to relieve the British Parliament of pressure of the local affairs of Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Co-ordinately it will probably increase the functions which already are locally controlled, such as education and the judicatures. He hoped the scheme, when prepared, would clear the Irish atmosphere and induce Ireland to come into line. The same official regards the prospects of a conference of the self-governing Dominions with a view to closer touch in Imperial affairs as unlikely before the middle of next year, owing to the necessity for Ministers returning to their own countries and attending to local affairs. (A. and N.Z. Cable.)