THE FISCAL QUESTION.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12202, 24 May 1905, Page 7

THE FISCAL QUESTION.

MB BALFOUR AND THE OPPOSITION. AN EXPLANATION DEMANDED. United Fμ AjMoofetioß- Br Elwwie Ttlegnpb—-Copyrifhi (Reoedved May 23rd, 0.85 p.m.) LONDON, May 23. In the House of Commons, replying to Mr E. J. Soaree, Liberal member for the North-West Division of Devonshire, Mr Balfour stated that the last Colonial Conference rewired to re-assemble automatioally in 1906. He admitted he did not remember this when •peaking at Edinburgh on October 3rd. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman, Leader of the Opposition, insisted that Mr Balfour was pledged to consult the country twioe before taking fiaoal action. Mr Balfour replied that the statement was one of policy ,*>nd not a. pledge to the Opposition. Nevertheless, the Goremment did not intend to use their majority to commit the present Parliament to fiscal reform. H« adhered to the eswnee of bit Edinburgh speech, that any plan the Government adopted would be submitted i4> the country. The Government were unable to restrict the discussions of the Conference. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman later on moved the adjournment of the House, j and cited passages from Mr Balfour , * speeches at Edinburgh and Manchester, and also from the speech of the Duke of j Marlborough, to show the country was not to be asked to decide the colonial aspect of the fiscal question until two elections had been held. The country understood a special conference would be called to discuea the fisoal question, j if the Government returned to power. The country believed that one election would be held to approve or disapprove of the summoning of the conference, and another to approve or, disapprove of the decisions of the conference. Tne Government's sudden change required explanation. 1