IN THE COMMONS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 April 1939, Page 5

IN THE COMMONS

DEBATE OPENS

SUPPORT OF GOVERNMENT,

(United Press Association—By Elect™ • Telegraph—Copyright),

(Received this day at 12.20 p.m.) •' RUGBY, April 27.

' A motion! in the House to approve of the Government’s proposal to introduce, as soon, as possible, a 'system of compulsory military training, was moved in the Commons by Mr Neville Chamberlain.

The motion declared such a system necessary for the safety of the country and fulfilment of undertakings recently given to certain countries in Europe and welcoming the fact that the Government is associating with this proposal fresh legislative powers to limit profits of firms engaged mainly in armament production and giving an assurance that in the event of war steps would be taken to penalise profiteering and prevent additions to iildividual fortunes out of war-created conditions. OPPOSITION TO BILL. LONDON, April 26, When the Conscription..Bill is Rebated.. in the House tomorrow,;,, jbhp following Labour .amendment will be moved: “While prepared to take all necessary steps to provide for the safety of the nation, and ■ the fulfilment of its international obligations, the House regrets that the Government, in breach of its pledges, should abandon the voluntary principle, which has not failed to provide the manpower needed for defence. The House is of. opinion that the measure is illconceived, and so far from adding materially to the effective defence of the country, will promote division and discourage national effort, and is further evidence that the Government’s conduct of affairs throughout these critical times does not merit the confidence of the country or the House.” An amendment to be moved by the Liberals is as follows While expressing the British people’s firm resolve to make the greatest contribution of which the country is capable, to resistance to aggression and maintenance of world order, this House cannot approve the proposed departure from the principle of voluntary service, at a time, when the rate of recruitment is outpacing the supply of war equipment, nor could it at any time approve a. partial system, which would place the whole burden of compulsory service on young men between 20 and 21 years of age.

In the House of Lords, Lord Snell (Labour) said that the Government had no excuse for breaking its prom se that there would be no conscription in peace time. Labour felt that it had been betrayed. National unity would be suspended, if not broken. The Labour Party would regard itself as free to take whatever action might seem right. “The Daily Herald” (Labour), and “News-Chronicle” (Liberal) both bitterly attack Mr Chamberlain for his broken pledge. LABOUR DECISION. (Received this day at 10.7 a.m.). LONDON, April 27. The executives, representing the whole of British Labour, after a three hour meeting, unanimously endorsed the Labour amendment.