HOME POLITICS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16472, 15 March 1919, Page 9

HOME POLITICS.

POSTERING TRADE. (By Cable.—Press iMociation.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, March 10. Sir Auckland Geddes (Minister of Reconstruction), speaking in the House of .Commons, said the Government" meant to tackle tho whole problem of imports and exports and re-exports, the dispersal of stocks of raw material, and the. building up of industries damaged! by the war. International trade should be stimulated. In the discussion that followed, the! Free Traders vigorously assailed' the proposals, declaring that they would create new _ vested interests. . Other critics protested that Sir Auckland Geddes's statement left the country in the dark as to whether the Government proposed to revert to free imports, to continue the prohibition,- or to adopt tariffs. Tho statement meant that the Government required half a year to consider the matter. Mr W. C. Bridgemaiij replying, said there was no absolute evidence that any of the Allies were getting orders for which Great Britain was unable to compote owing to the restrictions. The Government were carefully watching, and representations would be made to foreign countries if the suggestions made were true. He promised a list of restrictions as soon as possible.

EMIGRATION.

LONDON, March 13. Lord Milner has informed the AgentsGenoral that the Government is financing a delegation of 10 representatives of the "Women's Legation to visit the Dominions and report on the opportunities for tho emigration of female agriculturists and other women workers. THE AIR SERVICE. (Received March 14th, 7.40 p.m.) LONDON, March 13. Brigadier-General Seely, in moving tho air vote of £45,000,000 in the House of Commons, said that Great Britain was more advanced in civil aviation than any other country. Her first efforts were being concentrated upon mail carrying to Cairo and India, owing to the strategic importance of that route. CHANNEL TUNNEL SCHEME. (Received March 14th 11.10 p.m.) LONDON, March 13. Mr Bonar Law, in the House of Commons, said that before tho Channel tunnel was begun, the matter would be investigated. The sanction of Parliament would bo required. COALITIONIST" RETURNED. • (Received March 14th, 11.10 p.m.) LONDON, March 13. Rear-Admiral Reginald Hall (Coalitionist) defeated the Labour candidate for West Derby, Liverpool.