BRITISH POLITICS.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXII, Issue 60, 12 March 1910, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

Press Assn —By telegraph—Copyright, LONDON, March 11.

The publication of the Estimates disclosed the fact that the Government is only making provision for supplies for six weeks instead of to cover the session as usual. In the House of Commons Mr Chamberlain asked for an explanation -

Mr Lloyd-George replied that the Government was reverting to a practice which was in operation before 1896", because it was desirable that the House should keep control over the Executive, since the Government did not deem it expedient to arm the Executive Avith funds which would make it practically independent of the House of Commons at the present critical time.

Mr Chamberlain characterised the plan as a shabby manoeuvre in the Government's Parliamentary name. The Government was holding office by threats and might be snapped at any moment. They were striving to leave the greatest financial confusion behind them.

Lord Hugh Cecil declared that it was clear that the Government intended at a later stage of the session if turned out of office, to ask the House to refuse Crown supplies. Such a course had not been taken since the reign of Charles I. The Government was designing to wreck the Constitution at all hazards. AN EMPTY EXCHEQUER. (Received March 12, 8.5 a.m). LONDON, March 11. The Morning Leader, referring to the Commons debate, says the Government has at last realised that revolution must be met by counterrevolution . The Times declares that the Government contemplates bringing all the power it can raise to carry on the business ,of the country to about the middle of May, and adds: ' 'There is nosinoney to pay the Civil Services or the old age pensions. FURTHER COMMENTS. (Receiver March 12, 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, March 11. The Opposition attribute the postponement of all services until the middle of May to the governments desire to make difficulties, should a change of cabinet occur. The Westminster Gazette justifies the six weeks' vote on the ground the government is bound to retain for the House of Commons the power of controlling the situation, and adds : " The Unionists have been hoping that if supply is voted until August, they will be unable to postpone or precipitate a dissolution at pleasure."The Star says the meaning of the governments' sharp action is to avoid a dissolution. The deadlock will be ended by the refusal of supplies -until the passage of the Veto Bill is assured. The Globe says the electorates will make a very practical retort when they learn the pensions -have been withheld to enable Mr Asquith and Mr Lloyd-George to retain office.