HOME PARLIAMENT.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 109, 31 January 1908, Page 7

HOME PARLIAMENT.

1 - * SESSION OPENED. PROGRAMME OF BILLS, JJV rEtoltArll —■I'llESa ASSOCIATION —COrVRIOIIT. London, January 29. . Tho session of Parliament was opened by King Edward and Queen Alexandra. Mucli enthusiasm was shown by tho public. In tho King's Speech tho Bills promised include:—' . Licensing (England and /Wales). Education (England and "Wales). Hours of Labour in Coal Minos. Housing of tho Working, Classes. Valuation of" Property (England and Wales, for purposes of . taxation). University Education (Ireland). V Compulsory ; Acquisition of Untenanted Land (Ireland, for relief of congestion). Improvement and Control of Port and Waterway (London). Protection of Children and Treatmont of Juvenilo o(fenders. Scpttish Land Valuation.' NO MENTION OF THE LORDS. Most of these Dills were on the Government programmo lust year. With some of them some progress was made. Tho Valuation (Scotland) Bill was, for instance, passed by the Commons,' but hoglebted by the Lords.' Mr. Lloyd-George is expected to take charge of the Bill for. improving tho port of London. A barrage scheme, with locks and sluices, has been suggested, but the, Minister 1 has not .shown his,hand. The Valuation of Land Bills are largely fought as being tho probable precursors of taxation of land. Tho Hours of Labour in Coal Mines Bill is expected to provide something approaching an eight hours' day in coal mines. There is no mention in the cabled summary of any reference in the King's Speech to tho llouso .'of Lords.