Imperial Politics.

Inangahua Times, 22 August 1931, Page 3

Imperial Politics.

(United Press Assn—33y Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) BRITISH GOVERNMENT experiences Rad day from trades COUNCIL LONDON, August 21. It is generally agreed that the Got eminent experienced a bad day an had to face candid criticism, fror friends and opponents in the Trad Union General Council which sat :ii continuous session for nine hours.

The Daily Express says Mr Macdonald gave the joint meeting only an outline of the Government’s proposals. A Trade Union representative who was present, said afterwards, they were no different from .what he read in the papers. There was no mention of tariff until someone inquired about it.

The reply was, “Tariffs are in the air. iWe have not made a decision yet. 91 Mr Snowden is pessimistic and refused to disclose details of his taxation plans. It is understood the dole economies are the chief cause of the difference between the Trade Unions and Cabinet. The Daily Mail says: The Trades Union Council bluntly told the Government its proposals were not. acceptable.

... GOVERNMENT’S FATE IN-... BALANCE CONSERVATIVES MAY NOT TAKE OYER, LONDON, August 21. Cabinet meeting concluded tonight. The Economic Committee then received a Trade Union Congress delega tiou. Political circles are of the opinion that the chief Canservative objection to the Government proposals is the weakness of the economy side, while Cabinet itself is sharply divided as regards the wavs and means of economy. The question of co-operation betwer the three parties is still in the balance until they are certain the Government will go further in the direction of economics. The Daily Mail says it mas the most •dramatic day of politics since the war. The Government’s fate was in the balance at midnight Ay lion it became clear that the determined opposition might succeed to power. It. was equally evident that the Conservatives were not anxious to take office, preferring to retain the Labour Government instead of inheriting difficulties. It remains to be seen whether Mr Ramsay MacDonald will prefer the dramatic stroke. If he resigns -the Conservatives will be compelled to tage up Government, or there will be an immediate election. 1

Trades Union Congress Preference Reed 9 30 a.m, London, Aug 21 It is understood that the Trader Union Congress, to-day told the Government that they prefer tariffs to the reduction of unemployment benefits The Conservatives view the situation as the gravest, and are preparing for a possible change in the administration. In response to an urgent telegram. Mr Baldwin left Aix-Les-Bains for London.

Cabinet In Critical Position < 1 Reed 10 24 a.m London, Aug 21 The position late to-Dight remained critical. The Governmen still refrains from making a statement. The Cabinet sat continuousl \ until four this morning. The Bit Five then summoned the Conserva tives, Liberals and Trade ' Union Congress Council and announcp their decision to refer thp Government’s proposal to a foil congress at Bristol on the 7tb September. This amounts to a volte face because the Trades Union Counci is weil aware of the necessity fr urgent action. The Trades Union Council rejected the proposals for economics and unemployment insurance, also salary reduction?. It is learned that the Cabinet, which has again been pressed by the banks, has decided to repudiate the Trades Union Council and proceed with a plan tor drastic economies. The revenue tariff has definitely been ruled out. The Conservatives and Liberals told the Big Five tbM heir proposal were useless. Thev de* manded greater econon - lid less taxes. The Cabinet .vvih therefore have to rearrange their entire proposals. There is still a possib'lity of the r Governmant falling.