BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 6 February 1926, Page 5

BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

LABOUR ANiD UNESVIFLO'YMEINT’. “AN AMUSING FLIRTATION.’’ ' BY CABLE—PBESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT. LONDON, Feb. 4. Continuing his speech on the Address-in-l’eply, Ah'. Philip Snowden said that he. regarded the Governments land programme as a counter-blast to Air. Lloyd George’s scheme. He confessed that personally he preferred the latter. Air. T. Johnston (Labour), referring to the projected labour hours conference, .said he feared) that the Washington convention itself was destroyed by the conference excluding India, China, and Japan. He emphasised the long hours and inferior conditions in Japan. Sir J. Simon (Liberal), in opposing the amendment, asked how the. coal industry could find markets under public control which were lacking under private ownership. Sir A. Steel-Maitland (Minister for Labour), in replying, denied that the situation had become notably worse. There had been an increase in wages, while as regards unemployment the Government would welcome the co-op-eration of all parties. The Government was even willing to discuss the establishment of a joint committee of all parties. The debate was adjourned, .Political leaders are intrigued by Air Philip Snowden's reference to Mr. Lloyd George’s land scheme. It was noted that as lie spoke he turned and bowed to the Liberal Leader, who smilingly' acknowledged the compliment. Later Mr Lloyd George went and sat next to Air. Snowden and conversed with animation. The Morning Post describes the incident as an “amusing public flirtation." The Daily Express says the belief, rightly or wrongly, is entertained that both Air Lloyd George and Air. Snowden are looking forward to the situation which will arise if the j doming Liberal convention does not \ favour Air. Lloyd George’s policy. The Daily Chronicle praises Air Snowdon’s speech,, and says that the help of both parties is needed for reforms. COAL SUBSIDY. LONDON, Feb. 4. The Government is presenting Supplementary Estimates involving over £5,000,090, making the total thereof for the current year 1126,000,000, of which £19,000.000 comprises the coal subsidy and £1,100,000 the Wembley Exhibition guarantee.