BRITISH POLITICS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 178, 16 April 1923, Page 6

BRITISH POLITICS

LONG SITTING OF HOUSE OF COMMONS LABOUR MEMBERS' CAUSING DELAY CLOSURE FREQUENTLY APPLIED The Labour Party by its tactics caused a long sitting of the House of Commons, and closure being frequently applied, but tho Government maintained a majority of from 70 to 100. Ths resignation of Mr. Bonar Law is predicted. By telegraph.—Press association. —Copyright. London, April 13. The House of Commons sat continuously for 21 hours, the Labour members' following their usual practice of moving amendments in Committee on the Army and Air Force Annual Bill, particularly in regard to punishments and discipline The Government maintained a majority varying from to 100, and frequently applied the closure. , The Labour tnemb;rs moved the adjournment at 3 a.m. The motion was defeated, and the Committee stage dragged on till 11.15 a.m.. when, fresh members arriving for to-day’s sitting, the report stage occupied 35 minutes. The Bill was read a third time, and the House rose at 11.58 a.m., and adjourned till Monday. The proceedings were generally order though the Labour members greeted the closure with cries “GajJl” and sang “John Brown s Body” as they traversed th© division lobby.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

PREMIER’S RESIGNATION PROPHESIED (Rec. April 16, 0.20 a.m.) London, April 15. The Sunday papers prophesy that Mr. Bonar Law will resign, owing to political difficulties and the state of his health.—Ausl-N.Z. Cable Assn.

BUDGET TO PROVIDE FOR CHEAPER BEER PROPOSED BETTING TAX < London, April 13. The “Daily Express” Parliamentary reporter states that Mr. Baldwin, Chancellor of the Exchequer, is planning to reduce the price of beer by Id. a pint. This means £14,000,000 from the Exchequer, and £8,000,000 will be provided by the brewers reducing their profits. Tho income tax will bo definitely reduced—to what extent depends «n whether the Cabinet approves on Chancellor’s proposed betting tax. In reference to the tax, Bishop Welldon said: “Betting is not necessarily sinful. At the best it is a gratification of a personal taste. I can see no reason why the State should not tax it, as it does liouor. If the tax is to enrich the Exechequer to the extent of £10,000,000 or £20.000,000, and at the same time to confine betting to narrower limits and raise tho charactor of the betting ring will he a most desirable policy.”—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. _ . Rec. April 14. 5.5 p.m.)

London, April 13. The “Daily Telegraph” Lobbyist states that while Cabinet has not reached a decision on the betting tax, the majority of Ministers dennite.lv favour the scheme. Mr. Baldwin wi probably announce that tho tax will be levia’d, provided inquiry confirms the Customs view that the impost is practicable and the yield will be substan-tial.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

COTTON INDUSTRY BILL KILLED London, April 13. As a result of the all-night sitting of the House of Commons, the Cotton Industry Bill, which should have been read the second time to-day, has been “killed.”—Aus.-NTZ. Cable Assn,