BRITISH POLITICS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 175, 12 April 1923, Page 7

BRITISH POLITICS

EXCITING SCENE IN HOUSE , OF COMMONS

GOVERNMENT DEFEATED IN SNAP DIVISION

RESIGNATION DEMANDED BY LABOUR

There was an exciting sceno in tho House of Commons following the defeat of tho Government on a snap division. The Ministerialists have found a way out of their awkward situation. BY Telegraph.—press association. —Copyright. London, April 10. The Government was-defeated by 145 votes to 138 in a snap division on a motion for ’ adjournment, following the Ministry’s refusal to grant an inquiry .into- the salaries of ex-tempor-ary clerks. * The House rapidly filled. There was an exciting scene, with Labour cries of “Resign.” Mr. Ramsay' Macdonald asked what tho Government intended to do. The Postmaster-General replied by formally moving the adjournment.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

MINISTERIALISTS CAUGHT NAPPING

DIVISION EARLIER THAN EXPECTED WAY OUT OF THE MUDDLE FOUND (Rec. April 11, 8.10 p.m.) London, April 11. MinhWerial slackness has created an extremely awkward situation for the Government, which the Opposition is exploiting to tho full. The defeat was utterly unexpected. By its vote- the House refused to go into Committee of Supply’ on the Civil Service estimates, so a way out of the muddle was essential. At first it was thought it would be necessary to start a new session-to deal with .the Civil Service estimates, but the Speaker was consulted, and decided to accept a motion on Thursday that' ho leave the chair in order £hat the whole House go into Committee of Supply. This removes tho necessity for a new r»ssion, and will right the unfortunate situation.

The defeat was due to tho fact that the Government Whip had said the division was expected at 9.30, whereas it actually took place a few minutes earlier. While the division was going on there was no indication of a crisis, but tho manner in which the Labour benches suddenly filled up showed that' there had been an attempt to catch the Government napping. v When the clerk at tho table handed the Labour Whip a slip bearing the figures of tho division, a burst of cheers arose, the Opposition benches developing pandemonium, and shouting Labour members scattering Order Papers in all directions. Colonel Wedgwood, waving a handkerchief, led rennd after round of cheering, Air. G. Lansbury shouted in the direction of the Government front bench: “You’ll soon he on the dole.” * When order had been partially restored, Sir. Ramsay Macdonald asked what the Government proposed. After a hasty’ conference. Mr. Neville Chamberlain, senior member of tho Government, without comment, moved the adjournment. Mr.. Bonar Law was not present. Mr. W. M. R. Pringle (Liberal), one of the House’s recognised humorists, could not resist poking fun at the Government. He suggested that the motion must be fatal to the Government’s existence. It was beyond the ingenuity of any Parliamentarian to frame a motion which would reverse the House’s decision during the current session. Ho asked: “What sense is there in meeting to-morrow for an academic discussion while those transient, miserable phantoms occupy the Treasury bench (Cheers and laughter.) Mr. Pringle said he was glad the National Liberals had been with the Opposition in bringing an end to this thoroughly inept, futile, and incompetent administration. He moved that the House adjourn until Thursday. The Labour Party did not support the motion, -which was negatived without division. When tho House rose the lobby was highly excited. It is generally thought the incident will strengthen the movemen/, far a rr/Miipeliement with Air. Austen Chamberlain and other Unionist ex-Ministers, thus strengthening the Government.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.