DEFIANT LABORITES

Gisborne Times, Volume LIX, Issue 9576, 30 July 1923, Page 5

DEFIANT LABORITES

SUSPENDED MEMBERS INTEND TO RETURN TO COMMONS. WILL NOT APOLOGISE. (United Press Ass'-oiation—Copyricbt.) (Received July 31, 12.20 a.m.) LONDON, July 29. The Lahorites suspended on June 27 addressed a letter to the Speaker stating their intention to go to the Commons on Monday and claim the right to take seats, trusting, the Speaker'will see that no obstacle is put in their way. The four suspended members' have consistently reiterated their determination not to apologise.—A. and N.Z.C.A. A stormy scene was witnessed in the House of Commons on June 27, resulting in the suspension of several Lahorites during a debate on the Ministry of Health section regarding tuberculosis in Scotland, whore Dr. Chappie (Lib) said sixteen people died daily from tuberculosis.

Mr. Maxton (Lab.) started the trouble by saying that the lives of Scottish babies had been deliberately sacrificed by the action of the Government in the interests of" economy. “I call it murder." he said. “I call the men who initiated the policy murderers, and I call the men who supported the policy in the lobby murderers/* Mr. Wheatley (Lab.) followed and also accused the members of the Government of being murderers. Both members resolutely refused to withdraw when named and were suspended by 258 votes to 70. The Rev. Campbell Stephen (Lab.) amid the excitement of the House, repeated the accusation of ‘''murder/’ calling Sir Frederick Banbury a murderer. He refused to obey the chair and his suspension was also carried by 276 votes to 60. Mr. Buchanan next joined in the disturbance, calling supporters of the Government "dirty dogs," and then accused the Rt. Hon. .T. Hope (U.), chairman of the Committee, of being partial, adding "you are a disgrace.” He refused to obey the chair and was suspended by 276 votes to 58.