RICH AND POOR.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 20, 24 January 1929, Page 7

RICH AND POOR.

WOMEN M.P.'S CLASH.

Lady Iveagh Taunted For Being

A Millionaire.

'EATS!" SAYS LADY ASTOS.

(Australian Press Assn.—United Service.)

(Received 1 p.m.)

LONDON, January 23.

The debate in committee on the Local Government Bill led to lively exchanges between the women members of the House of Commons.

Mr. P. G. Gates (Con.) supported Mr. A. Greenwood (Lab.), who moved an amendment preserving the system of Government £1 for £1 aid of the municipal maternity and child welfare service. Lady Iveagh (Con.) opposed it.

Miss Ellen Wilkinson (Lab.): It illbehoves a lady who is a millionaire and has every possible care for her own children to oppose the extension ol maternity and child welfare clinics. Lady Astor (Con.) jumped up and said: It would be as reasonable to say you have no right to talk about children because you are not a mother. Miss Wilkinson: One expects that kind of sneer. Lady Astor: One needn't be poor to have a heart. Rich women are just as interested in infant welfare as others. Mr. J. H. Hudson (Lab.): You are more interested in keeping your money. Lady Astor: Bats! The chairman then intervened. Mr. Neville Chamberlain, Minister of Health, said everyone was very proud of the maternity and child welfare centres, which had materially contributed to the reduction of infant mortality. He believed that the methods of making grants proposed in the bill were in the best interests of the services.

The amendment was rejected by 206 votees to 130.