DEVOLUTION SCHEMES

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 197, 15 May 1920, Page 7

DEVOLUTION SCHEMES

REPORT 01? SPEAKER'S COMMITTEE. (Eec. May 1-1, 7.35 p.m.) London, May 13. The report of the Speaker's Committee on devolution shows that tho committee . is equally divided on the two schemos, but is practically agreed on tho question of the powers to be devolved, financial relations and judiciary. Under the heading "Powers Proposed to be Devolved" are tho regulation of international commercial undertakings, order and good government', ecclesiastical matters, agriculture and land, local judiciary and minor legal mutters, education (except Oxford, Cambridge, and London Universities), local government a-nd municipal undertakings, and public health. It is proposed to transfer to the' local legislatures . certain license duties, any deficit to be made up nut of income tax. The whole position 'will be subject to review after live years.— Imperial News Service. /The terms of reference of the committee were :— To consider and report upon a. devolution within the United Kingdom having regard to" (1) The need of reserving to the Imperial Parliament the exclusive consideration of (a) foreign and Imperial affairs, and (b) subjects affecting the United Kingdom as a whole. (2) The allocation of financial powers as between the Imperial Parliament and the subordinate Legislatures, special consideration being given to the need of providing for the effective administration of tho allocated powers. (3) The special needs and characteristics of the component portions of the United Kingdom in which subordinate Legislatures are set up.]