COMMONS’ HEAVY WORK

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 November 1934, Page 7

COMMONS’ HEAVY WORK

THE SESSION ENDED KING’S REVIEW [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] ] RUGBY, November 16. The exceptionally heavy legislative output of the Parliamentary Session, which ended to-day, was made possible in the Commons by an agreement to allow more time, normally allotted to private measures, to be devoted to consideration of Government measures, and by the increase in the work done by the Standing Committee. , Permanent changes in procedure, recommended by the select committee, representing all Parties, were accepted in the Commons, last night, and will, it is believed, facilitate the work of the Chamber in future. The changes include giving to the chairman of the Standing Committee power at present possessed only by the Speaker, of selecting amendments for debate. Mr. Baldwin, in recommending these proposals, said their justification was cumulative. The growth of democracy had meant mores than, forseen, and therefore more legislation. Parliament must accommodate itself to dealt; with these tasks, or it would be discredited. The proposals were approved by 144 votes to 24. Even a heavier programme of work ■’s before the next .session of Parliament, which will be opened by the King on Tuesday. The oustanding measure will be the Iridian Constitution Bill. It is expected that when the Commons reassembles at the end of January, after the Christmas recess, the text of the measure will be before them. Meantime, the report of the Joint Select Committee will be published oil Wednesday evening. The King’s speech on the prorogation of Parliament, referred to the murder of the former Austrian Chancellor in July, and to the assassination of the King of Yugoslavia and M. Barthou in October, which had profoundly shocked the world, and .“evoked the sympathy of myself and my people. These tragedies undoubtedly caused a serious setback for European tippeaccment." His Majesty • noted with satisfaction the untiring efforts of the Government to counsel moderation and promote more friendly relations between nations. The hope was expressed that the naval discussions with the United States and Japan would meet, with success, so that the world may be spared the evil of unrestricted competition in naval armaments.

The speech stated that the welcome given to the Duke of Kent by South Africa, and the Duke of Gloucester in Ceylon and Australia had been a source of great pleasure to the King and Queen. He went on to refer to the Indian Reforms. A joint committee of both Houses had concluded their talk, and the recommendations would shortly be before Parliament. Seldom if ever, had an enquiry covered a wider or more important field. On Home affairs, the speech stated that the purchasing and saving power of the people had been strengthened. National finances had so far improved as to justify substantial alleviation in the burdens accepted three years ago. The continued improvement in trade and employment gave great satisfaction and, although unhappilv some areas had not shared in the improvement, their special conditions were engaging attention of Ministers.