THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 11 August 1921, Page 2

THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT

lUSTKAI.IAN AND N.Z. C'ABI.S ASSOCIATION. IN THE COMMONS. LONDON, Aug. 9 in the Commons, Mr Barnes moved an amendment to the Bail way Decon.in! Bill, assuring railway-men of seven seats on the directorate of each group of companies. He said joint control of industry would do more than anything else to lessen disputes. The present proposal would give the workers an inside knowledge and a keener feeling of responsibility. Mr Thomas opposing the amendment, -aid amity between the companies men •mid not Ik* achieved by imposing conpreviously rejected. If the companies welcomed Mr Barnes innovation, the workmen would jump at it. In the agreed .scheme already working, there was every opportunity for dealing with all disputes. If the workers were mistaken in agreeing to that scheme, they were responsible. ILLEGITIMACY BILL. LONDON. Aug. 10 In the House of Commons the Labour Party has introduced an Illegitimacy Bill. It proposes drastic amendments to the present law, including a provision that in future applications may he made before a child’s birth. The maximum weekly maintenance amount to he fixed at £2. The Bill provides that the fattier may he ordered to contribute towards the child’s apprenticeship, and also special education maintenance may he ordered beyond the age of 16 if the child is physically or mentally deformed, in the alternative, the Court may order the payment of a lump sum, and that the child he legitimised by the subsequent- marriage of the parents. BRITISH RAILWAY DECONTROL. LONDON, Aug. 9 The House of Commons debated the Railway Decontrol Bill. Lord Robert Cecil supported a Labour amendment. Sir Erie Gediles, replying, agreed with the principle underlying the proposed amendment, but pointed out that no railway guard would accept it, believing the time was not yet ripe for such a step. Mr Mildmav and Major Hills, both railway directors, said that all the companies regarded the present working scheme as satisfactory, and intended to work it- smoothly. Hon G. N. Barnes welcomed these declarations and withdrew the amendnTent. Mr Flannery opposed the third rending. He said he regretted that no provision had been made for the election of workmen directors, of whom he had had 20 years’ satisfactory experience. „ The Bill was read a third time.