THE BRITISH ESTIMATES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIV, Issue 57, 12 March 1910, Page 5

THE BRITISH ESTIMATES.

SUPPLIES FOR SIX WEEKS ONLY ;

OPPOSITION PROTESTS

[press association.] (Received March 11, 10.45 p.m.) LONDON, March 11. The publication of the Estimates disclosed the fact that the Government were making supplies for six weeks only, instead of five or six months to cover the session, as usual.

In the House of Commons, Mr Austen Chamberlain asked for an explanation. Mr Lloyd-George replied that the Government were reverting to the practice which was in operation before 1896, because it was desirable that the House should keep control over the Executive, since tne Government did not deem it expedient to arm the Executive with funds which would make it practically independent of the House of Commons at a critical time.

Mr Chamberlain characterised this plan as a shabby manoeuvre in the Government's Parliamentary game. The Government, holding office by threads which jnight be snapped at any moment, were striving to leave the greatest financial confusion behind them.

Lord Hugh Cecil declared that it was clear that the Government intended at a 'later stage of the session, if turned out -of office, to ask the House to refuse the Crown supplies. Such a course had not been taken since the time of Charles I. The Government were designing to wreck the Constitution at all hazards.

Mr Lloyd-George replied that the Government were simply reverting to the practice of Lord Salisbury's Government.

Lord Cecil retorted: "Under quite different circumstances.""

Mr Lloyd-George: "It would be a very good thing if the Opposition had an opportunity of clearing up the difficulties they created." Mr F. Smith moved the adjournment as a protest. The motion was •rejected by 354 to 223.