HOME POLITICS.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17740, 17 April 1923, Page 9

HOME POLITICS.

BUDGET FORECAST. REDUCTION OF' TAXATION. (BT CABLX—IEES3 ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.) (AUSTBALIAM AKD N.I. CAB LB ASSOCIATIOK.) LONDON, April 10. The newspapers are now in general agreement with Mr Baldwin's Budget, which to-morrow will reduoe the in-come-tax by sixpence, the corporation profit tax by half, and the beer duty by enough to enable,, with the brewers' contribution, a reduction in the retail price of beer by a penny a pint. It will propose a Select Committee to enquire into the betting tax.

MISSION TO RUSSIA. LONDON, April 15. The "Doily TelegrapH 15 states that the Cabinet this week will decide whether it will withdraw the British Mission from Moscow, in view of the affront offered in connexion with tho British protest against the sentences on Archbishop Zepliak and Monsignor Budkeviteh. Britain can view imperturbably the breaking-off of relations, while for the Soviet the severanoe will •be calamitous, as the whole fabrio of the Soviet's European relations binges upon the Rusiso-Britiah trade agreement.

THE PRIME MINISTER, RUMOURED RETIREMENT. LONDON, April 15. The past week's incidents in the House of Commons, ooupled with Mr Bonar Laws' health are inspiring, widespread predictions of the imminence of Mr Bonar Law's retirement from Downing street. However, it is officially stated that Mr Bonar Law has no intention of resigning. In spite of the official denial, the "Daily Telegraph" Lobbyist eays that unfortunately there are solid grounds for the report that Mr Bonar Law is seriously considering retirement when the favourable moment arrives. The sole reason is that he fears that his hedlth will not stand the strain much longer, PRESS SPECULATION. (Received April 16th, 7,3£> p.m.) LONDON, April 16. The "Daily Express" attributes the rumour in connection with Mr Bonar Law's resignation to a political plot. It is noteworthy that the editor of the "Observer," Mr J, L, Garvin, is a great friend of Lord Birkenhead, white Lordßiddell, owner of the "News of the "World,'' iB a friend of Mr George. Lord Riddell tips Earl Curzon, .another pick man, To succeed Mr Bonar Law, while Mr Stanley Baldwin will be rewarded with the Leadership of the Houbo of Commons. The "Daily Express" adds: Mr Austen Chamberlain and his friends must understand that the ■ Conservative Party will not readmit them to office unless they return as loyal Conservatives, not as half-hearted Coalitionists. \ ■ CRUELTY TO ANIMALS BILL. LONDON, April 15. Captain Arthur Evans is introducing a Bill in the House of Commons authorising Magistrates to order a flogging in addition to hard labour in the worst cases of cruelty to animals.