OLD-AGE PENSIONS BILL.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 150, 26 June 1908, Page 4

OLD-AGE PENSIONS BILL.

FIRST TWO CLAUSES PASSED.

THREE AMENDMENTS THROWN OUT. APPLICATION OF THE CLOSURE, [press association.] (Received June 26, 0.20 a.m.) ' LONDON, June 25. In the House of Commons, Lord Robert Cecil, Conservative Member for.Marylebone, moved an amendment to the Old-Age Pensions Bill, raising the issue of a contributory pensions scheme. The Government opposed the amendment, which was rejected by 346 to 86. Mr Barnes, Labor Member for Glasgow, ihoved the deletion of the clause providing that persons living together, shall be paid pensions at a reduced rate. Mr Barnes denounced such' peddling economy. The extra cost, he said, would not exceed half a million sterling. Mr McKenna replied unfavourably. Several Liberals earnestly appealed to the Government to give way. Mr Lloyd-George, Chancellor of the Exchequer, agreed, if it were understood that Members would not support other amendments entailing fresh expenditure. Mr Austen Chamberlain, in behalf of the Unionists, repudiated such a bargain. With, the assistance of the closure, Clauses 1 and 2 were passed, the latter sub silentio.

Members who wished to reduce the pension age to 65, not being permitted to speak, challenged a division, but Clause 2 was carried by 341 to 124^

The discussion of Clause 3 is proceeding. . *

CABIiE-NEWS.

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