HOMELAND POLITICS

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 February 1931, Page 7

HOMELAND POLITICS

TRADES DISPUTES BILL.’ [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. COPYBIGHT.] LONDON, February. 27. < The Liberal Party’s amendment to the Trades Disputes Bill was moved by Dr. G. L. Burgin. .It makes illegal any strike or' lockout exposing any substantial portion of the community to danger in health or , safety by-- interfering with the supply or distribution of essential food, water, fuel, light or other necessities. Mr Hayday, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, described this amendment as a declaration of war ■on the part of the Liberals. If this fundamental clause of the Bill were mutilated, he said, he must tell the Government that it was useless to submit to any further humiliation at the hands of the Liberals. Sir W. A. Jowitt (Attorney-Gener-al), said that the Government would in no circumstances accept this amendment, which would put the trade unionists in a more difficult position than they had been in since 1875. -It would make any strike illegal, and would drive the men back to work on'any terms that the employers dictated.

Owing to Mr MacDonald being on holiday, the Government will decide the fate of the Bill at a Cabinet meeting which is being held on Monday. It is considered that a general election is brought appreciably nearer. The Labourites increasingly dislike a situation in which they are compelled to depend on Liberal votes. The Liberals are more convinced every day, especially in view of the by-elections, that their support of the Socialists is weakening their own. position in the constituencies.

The “Morning Post” says: The Bill is cunningly drafted so as not to appear to do what is intended, namely, to give relief from legal liability for any organised attempt to hold the community at ransom. The frustration of that purpose has made the Bill valueless to its real; promoters. The Liberals may reflect that for-the first time in the present Parliament, they have earned;a little respect. The “Daily Herald” says: If 'the Liberals want war, they shall have it —war without stint, until their ramshackle party tumbles into oblivion. OLIVER BALDWIN RESIGNS. LONDON, February. 26. Mr Oliver Baldwin, member of the House of Commons, and a supporter of Sir 0. Mosley, has resigned from the. Labour Party owing to the Government’s inaction in the face of the increasing unemployment.