BRITISH POLITICS

Gisborne Times, Volume LX, Issue 9800, 9 May 1924, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS

BUDGET DEBATE.' . UNIONIST AMENDMENT ONSUGAR DUTIES.

CHANCELLOR OF EXCHEQUER REPLIES.

RESOLUTION CONFIRMED UNALTERED. .

(United Pi OHS A^ia^l^C Replying in the House or Commons to Sir Edward Grigg, Mr Snowden said it was calculated that the annual interest charge payable by British taxpayers on loans made to the Allies during the war exceeded one hundred millions sterling. A proposal to stabilise preference on Empire sugar at 51jd per hundredweight for one year, as compared with the ton years recommended at, the Imperial Conference, was made in an amendment moved by Sir Mitchell Thomson in the course of the Budget discussion. 'Hie mover advanced a strong plea on behalf of the Crown ■Colonies specially concerned. The amendment was rejected by 24 votes to 182.

Sir Mitchell Thomson, speaking to his amendment, pointed out that the effect of the Budget, proposals would ho to reduce preference proposals to Is Hid per hundredweight, and contended that preference in the past had resulted in an increase of Empire sugar production from eighteen per cent of the world’s procmotion in IDI3 to twenty-two per cent last year. He compared the preiereuce oi 33s lOd per ton given by Britain to the West Indies with £lO os given by the United States to For to Rico. He maintained that the expansion of the Empire sugar industry was essential, politically, fiscally, commercially, and imperially. Major Ormsby Gore, in seconding the amendment, maintained that the Colonial Secretary had failed lamentably in not impressing on the Chancellor the consideration of the West Indies and Mauritius interests, which demanded the stabilisation of preference. The worst feature of the Budget was the-repudiation of .esponsibiiities to the tropical Crown colonies. Mr Snowden, opposing the amendment, said the total Empire production had only increased ten per cent in three years since preference began to operate, while the West Indies, ior which a special plea was entered, had actually decreased. .Preference simply meant a subsidy by British taxpayers to the West Indies planters. It had disastrously reduced the production of Empire sugar by twenty-five per cent. Lurch Percy, on behalf of the Opposition, protested against the Government’s acting contraly to its pledge to take a free vote on the Economic Conference’s resolutions. Mr Graham replied that the pledge only concerned the forthcoming debate on tho Imperial Conference. The sugar resolution w'as confirmed u naltered. —Reuter.

THE McKENXA DUTIES. REPEAL MAY BE POSTPONED s TILL END OF YEAR. LONDON, May 7. The Evening Standard understands that there is a likelihood that Mr. Snowden will postpone the repeal of the McKenna duties till the 31st December. Mr Snowden has been overwhelmed with renresentations against tho repeal from many quarters, including a considerable section of the Laborites representing constituencies where? affected trades are carried on—A. and N.Z.C.A.

LABOR PRESS STATEMENT

REPORT UNFOUNDED

(Received gd g The Daily Herald declares that the statement regarding the postponement of the repeal of the_ McKenna, duties until December 31 is umounded.—A. and N.Z.C.A

NEWSPRINT DUTIES. CHANCELLOR ASKED TO RECONS LDER PREFERENCE DECISION. 'Received May 8. 5).40 p.m.) LONDON, May 7. _ In the House of Commons Sir V. Bowat.er asked if the Chancellor wouni. re-consider his decision regarding Imperial preference in view of the loss to the British paper industry and the great- increase in unemployment caused by the threatened loss of the £3 per ton preference on Englishmade newsprint delivered in Australia over foreign. Mr \V. Graham said lie iyas unaware the Australian Government intended altering the arrangement nut negotiations had been progressing lor scano time for the conclusion of a tiade agreement between Australia and Canada.—Reuter.

NURSERY BEFORE STATE. C VPT. PHTLIPSON TO REPLACE WIFE AS CANDIDATE. (Received May S, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 8. Benwick .Unionists have adopted Capt. Pliilipson as a candidate for the next election, as his wife finds the call of the nursery greater than the call .of the State. —A. and N.Z. O.A

“THE ONLY ROAD TO VICTORY’

CONSERVATIVES AND LIBERALS SHOULD OUST. SOCIALISTS

WINSTON CHURCHILL’S WAY

(Received May 8, 8.20 p.m.) LONDON, May S. Considerable interest was evinced m Mr Churchill’s speech at Liverpool because it was the first Conservative meeting lie liad addressed for t" cuty years. e Mr Churchill scathingly attacked the Government. He declared that the Budget was an example from beginning to end of Socialistic inconsistency and insincerity. He defended the McKenna duties, condemned the Government’s attitude on Imperial preference and finally declared, “My policy is for a strong ac- • live Conservative party, united under its own leaders with the Liberal wing co-opei’atiusjj in order to make {.cminoii m an endeavour to secure the defeat of Socialism at th'e polls. Such co-operation would involve adherence by the Conservative / party to a broad progressive policy .sdcli as the leaders have now definitely adopted. That is the only road to victoryU—A. and N.Z.O.A.

ASQUITH’S TRIBUTE. COURAGE NND WISDOM OF GOVERNMENT. (Received May ,8, 8.40 P-m.) LONDON, May 8. Mr Asquith speaking at •Chelmsford said* the Budget was not a Labor budget, but a Liberal and a Free Trade budget, whereon the Liberal paity intended to vote whole-hearted-ly. The Government had shown wisdom and courage in withstanding the demands for “these ridiculous Colonial preference proposals and the repeal of the McKenna duties.” He hoped they would not yield over the latter, winch were not imposed originally for protective purposes, but simply because it was .vital that cargo space should not be occupied in w time by cumbrous objects of luxury. He was of opinion that' it was unlikely there would be a dissolution during the next twelve months. A. and N.Z.O.A.