NEW GOVERNMENT

Evening Star, Issue 20217, 3 July 1929, Page 9

NEW GOVERNMENT

BRITISH PARLIAMENT OPENS THE KIKE'S SPEECH Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, July 2. Parliamen t was opened at noon .by Royal Commission, this being the first tinio in thirty years in which the opening has been divested of the stately ceremonial associated with tho presence of the King smd Queen.' The members of the House of Commons were summoned to the House of Lords to listen to tho King’s Speech, which was rend by tho Lord'Chancellor (Lord Snukey). GOVERNMENT'S AIMS OUTLINED LONDON. July 2. The King’s Speech was as follows; “ While i regret that -it is impossible to address you in person, .1 thank Almighty Cod that I can look forward conndeiitiy to that complete restoration to health for which the prayers of my people were offered througnout tho Emj.m'o witli a sympathy and an affection which call forth iny deepest gratitude. “Our relations with foreign lowers continue friendly. The independent financial experts who were appointed to draw up proposals to complete a definite settlement of the Gorman reparations . problem have presented a unanimous report which iny Government is at present considering in iprepaiation for a conference of representatives of tho Governments concerned. The settlement of this, problem will enable tho occupying Powers to proceed with the evacuation of the Rhineland , “ Conversations have commenced with the Ambassador of the United States with regard to naval' disarmament, in consequence of which my Government earnestly hopes to ensure, in co-operation with the Governments of tho dominions, the Government of India, and the Governments of foreign Powers, an early reduction of armaments throughout the world. “My Government considers the time has Come to submit to judicial settlement international disputes in which tho parties are in conflict in regard to their respective rights, and for tliis, purpose it is now consulting the Governments of the dominions an I tho Government of India with regard to signing tho optional clause cur bodied in the statute of the Permanent Court of International Justice. “ My Government is examining conditions under which diplomatic relations with tho Government of the Union of Soviet republics may ho resumed, and is communicating with the Governments of the dominions and the Government of India thcreanent. “It will be the foremost 'endeavour of Ministers effectively to deal with the continual evil of unemployment, and schemes are being prepared for tho improvement of the means of tiunsport, llio stimulation of the depressed export trades, the economic development of my overseas dependencies. an improvement in the condition .of agriculture, encouragement to tho fishing industry, and improvement in the facilities for marketing tho farm and fishery outputs. In co-operation with the Governments of the dominions measures are being considered with tho object of providing great opportunities for overseas migration. “ My Government is considering the question of the reorganisation of the coal industry, including hours and other factors, and the ownership of minerals. Proposals to this end will be submitted iu due course, and inquiries will he undertaken immediately into the condition of the iron, steel, and cotton industries in order to discover a means of co-operation with which to improve their position in the markets of the world. “ Bills will be submitted to amend and consolidate tho existing factory legislation and to gii’e effect to the obligations entered into at Washington in 1919.

“ My Ministers propose to introduce legislation to promote an extensive policy of slum clearance and make further provision for housing in urban and rural areas

“ My Ministers have decided that, the time has come to investigate the whole field of legislation relating to the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor, and on their recommendation I propose shortly to appoint commissionerl; for this purpose. “Mv Ministers are engaged in u general survey of the various nationa 1 insurance and pensions schemes, and meanwhile a Rill is being prepared to amenrl tho Widows, Orphans, and Old A"o Pensions Acts of 1925. so as to mrdify the conditions applicable to cc-itain pensions and make some increase in the classes of persons entitled thereto. A measure will be intredneed to remedy tbc situation evented by the Trades Disputes and Trade Unions Acts of 1027. “ The extended franchise" at the recent General Election placed in the hands of the whole of ray people of adult rears the grave, responsibility of guarding the well-being of the nation, as is constitutional and democratic. My Government proposes to institute an examinption of the experiences of the election in order that the law relating to parliamentary elections may he hromrht into conformity witt> tho new conditions.”—Australian Press Association.

ADIMSS-IN-REPLY DERATE

MR BALDWIN LEADS OFF PRIME MINISTER’S EXPOSITION OF POLICY MATTERS • ■ (British Official Wireless.) Press Asaociiitlon-r-By Telegraph—Copyright HUG BY, July 2. (Received July 3, at 12.30 p.m.) The debate oh the Address-in-Reply was opened in the- House of Commons this afternoon" . Mr Baldwin inquired whether, in reference to the report of the financial ; experts, if the proposals as approved 1 by the* Government • would be submitted to Parliament before the final decision was taken. Ho thought the visit to the United States which the Prime Minister projected was absolutely right. Both countries suffered from the absence of personaJ intercourse between their statesmen. The increasing of the personal intercourse , between the statesmen in Europe was a matter ■ of first importance, and it had, he believed, rendered possible such progress as had been made. He I express full agreement with what was I said in the .King’s Speech on unem-

ploymcnt, improved transport, and trade, hut ho asked the Government's intentions regarding tho safeguarding industries. In concluding, ho reminded tho House . that the, Government was a minority one, but he said his supportoVs -hud no desire to oiler fractious opposition. They intended tp assist the Government in carrying on, but it would require self-control on both sides. In approaching tho grave, difficulties -that faced the country it would on occasion bo essential for the country and tho Empire to face tho world in a united parliament. The Prime, Minister: immediately - replied. He said it would bo the care of the Government, when representations were made to it by tho respective leaders of either party asking-for opportunities to discuss matters of great interest to tho House or of grave importance to the nation, to see that they were ‘ given. In view of the serious problems at home and abroad, he wondered how far it would bo (possible, without in any way abandoning any of their party positions, or surrendering any items of their party principles and outlook, to consider themselves more as a council of State and less as arrayed regiments facing each other. . Tho Government existed to deal with tw.. dominating ’ concerns—first, unemployment and social betterment, and, secondly, peace secured by the cordial co-operation of tho nations. Essential to the first was a sound policy to stimulate trad© that would raise tho standard of living of the people and produce confidence that fair play was being done all round, upon which alone industrial peace would rest. Essential to the second a bett? i understanding with America. Ho would communicate with the Lender of tho Opposition when he wa ll in a position to make a definite statement on that subject. Conversations with America had already been started. They wore purely of a preliminary and exploratory character. No time was being lost in agreeing on tho modes of procedure, and tho order in which tho problems should be approached. The Kellogg Pact had been signed by practically all the nations of tho world. The Government was anxious to build upon that a disarmament policy which would recognise the pact as a living and controlling influence upon international policy, and both Governments would seek at once to co-operate with the othe- great naval Powers as soon as the negotiations stage proper had been reached. It was well known, however, that a preliminary understanding between America and Britain was necessary if success was to crown their efforts. The chairman of the Preparaup by the League of Nations, had asked that conversations should bo held between the naval Powers, and tho British Government was undertaking its work in the hope that it would contribute towards a solution of the problems engaging tho attention of that (ioiumission. Regarding reparations, tho experts’ report was a document of great complexity, requiring much • explanation. The Government had had to accept compromises which it did not altogether like, but it did its best to secure British interests. Three departments of State were deeply involved —the Treasury, tho Foreign Office, and tho Board of Trade, and at the moment they were examining the report with tho greatest care in preparation for the conference of Governments, which must soon bo held. Immediate questions to be settled were the date and place of tho conference. The Government had suggested London. He could make no definite statement yet as to the procedure and the main points which had to bo raised at tho conference. He pledged himself that every constitutional method that was proper should bo followed in order to communicate the situation as fully as possible to Parliament.

Mr MacDonald reminded the House that publication of the report meant that the Dawes plan could not remain in force much longer, and that some new r agreement must be reached. “In reaching that agreement I hope everybody will understand—however the negotiations go—that the great gone rosity of this country in its relations with" the Allies after the war can be questioned by no one, nor can its meticulous rectitude in fulfilling its bargains and obligations be doubted. I often feel that this is not recognised as it should be. We are bearing burdens which strictly, and in relation to tho capacity of others, ought not to have been imposed upon ns, but we shall go back on none our contracts.” Passing on to domestic affairs, the Prime Minister said that the Government had come into possession of a report on tho wool industry, which it would publish, but w’ould not put into operation, and it proposed to treat as a dead letter the late Government's proposals, known as the White Paper conditions, under which safeguarding inquiries should be set up. Certain questions connected with safeguarding were really Budget concerns, and it was not to be expected_ that the Budget policy would be disclosed in advance. Regarding the existing safeguarding duties, the supporters of the Government had consistently opposed their imposition, and had made it abundantly dear that they would reserve the right to remove them when practicable. Opposition to all protective duties had just been overwhelmingly expressed by the electors. It must therefore be understood that the Government would in no ease renew those duties should they remain _in operation until the statutory period had expired, and it reserved the right to repeal them at an earlier date than was fixed for their expiration if it appeared practicable and desirable to do so. In coming to these conclusions the Government would have regard to the inconvenience which changes of policy inflicted on trade and to the revenue aspects of the question. Mr MacDonald referred to the coal, cotton, and steel industries, and to the need for changes in the law regarding elections.

UEBATE IN LORDS. , LONDON, July 2. (Received July 3, at 11.30 a.ra.) In moving the Address-in-Reply in the House of Lords, Lord Bussell said lie believed that the resumption of diplomatic relations with Russia could be done without imperilling the proper conduct of the affairs of this country. Referring to unemployment, he said he was satisfied that the Government would have the assistance of all parties oi both Houses. Lord De La Warr seconded the motion. The Marquess of Salisbury (Leader of the Opposition) 'said that certain mibjects in the King’s Speech might have come from the late Government or from any responsible British Government. Lord Pannoor, replying, emphasised that Labour was consistently opposed to safeguarding. “It must be understood,” he said, “that we will not renew these motor duties.” The address was adopted.—Australian Press Association-United Service.