THE FISCAL QUESTION

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 62, 14 March 1906, Page 2

THE FISCAL QUESTION

DEBATE IN THE HOUSE

THE PARTY LEADERS

GRAPPLING

[PBESS ASSOCIATION.] (Received March 14, 7.44 a.m.) LONDON. March 13

Mr Kitson moved that the House, recognising that the people at the recent election demonstrated their unqualified fidelity to the principles and practice of free-trade, records its determination to resist any px-oposal, .whether a tax on corn or a general tariff, to create for Britain a system of protection. He emphasised that the situation had changed, the letters of the 14th showing Mr Balfour's absolute surrender to Mr Chamberlain. He quoted statistics showing the unparalleled production of the iron and steel trade.

Mr Austin Taylor, in seconding the motion, showed that, notwithstanding the gigantic changes in the sources of the wheat supply, prices had scarcely varied. He did not believe Imperial unity would be imperilled if they pronounced against artificially meddling with the food supply. He hoped the union between Mr Balfour and Mr Chamberlain would be as perfect as the union of, the double star Algol, whose dual nature was only detected when one member of the system eclipsed the oiaer. Mr Balfour playfully attacked the Government for raising an unnecessary discussion and picking a quarrel with the Opposition. It was the Opposition's business to quarrel with the Government. He proceeded to banter the Government for its self-denying ordinance resolution, precluding Mr Asquith (Chancellor of the Exchequer) for the next six years from introducing any duty not adequately balanced by excise. What about such duties as those on tobacco and cocoa? Did the Government mean to retain these two protective duties? Money was needed for education, local taxation and payment of members; perhaps, also, increased military preparations. How would they find it without widening the basis of taxation, violating the principles mentioned? Mr Balfour's final appeal to Sir H. C- Bannerman to amend the resolution tp enable the House, without stultifying itself ; to broaden taxation in times of emrgency or the purposes of great national reform, was ignored, Sir H. C Bannerman instead answering questions submitted, and allowing minor speakers to proceed. Ml" Chamberlain thereupon claimed an answer, and moved the adjournment of the House., Sir H. C. Bannerman taunted Mr Balfour with , subtle methods. His airy graces of learning did nothing to defeat the resolution. He mentioned the two subjects because they were in the forefront in the Oppositionists' policy. Mr Balfour's speech was unworthy of the occasion; the arguments were contradictory. After comparing the questions, Sir H.- C. Bannerman declared: "So far as I have .not answered them, I. have no direct answer to give to questions which are futile, nonsensical, and misleading. I say, ' enough of this foolery; produce your amendments.' " The motion for adjournment was negatived by 405 to 115. Mr Snowden moved an amendment demanding large measures of social reform.

The debate was adjourned