POLITICS IN FRANCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 78, 3 April 1926, Page 9

POLITICS IN FRANCE.

THE FINANCE BILL iLN ADROIT MINISTER. THE NEED FOR REVENUE. l(By Cable.—Press Association.—-Copyrig-t.) (Received 12.30 p.m.) PARIS, April 2. The Chamber of Deputies adopted by 293 votes to 2G5 the State monopoly on the importation of petroleum. The matter is being discussed despite M. Peret's request for postponement in order that he may proceed with the Finance Bill, from which the petroleum monopoly matter is separated. M. Peret favoured the institution of control in co-operation with foreign business interests. He asked for a fairly free hand for the Government to organise control. Little headway was made with the financial debate, a feature being the readiness of the Minister of Finance to accept alternatives, provided they gave equal revenue. For instance the "Chamber rejected the proposed increase of duty on pharmaceutical goods. The Minister immediately unpocketed a ready-made clause, increasing the stamp duty on goods conveyed by railway. confessing at the same time" that he had other substitute* up his sleeve.— (Reuter.l The Chamber of Deputies adopted the Finance Bill in its entirely by 236 votes to 150. The clause which increases the tax on business turnovers was carried by 277 votes to 166, and that which establishes a monopoly on the importation of sugar was carried by 2G7 votes to 259. The Socialist party decided not to vote against the" Government, but to abstain from voting when a motion of confidence in the Administration is proposed, in order that a Ministerial crisis may not be provoked. It is believed this decision will assure the Government majority in the Chambe r for the Finance Bill, including the muchcriticised increase in the business turnover tax. The Chamber resumed the debate on the Government's financial proposals and adopted the poll tax without division. There are certain amendments, including one authorising persons who are exempt from poll tax to make a minimum voluntary donation of 20 francs, thus enabling French people at home and in the colonies to demonstrate in a practical manner their patriotism.— (Reuter.)