The Fiscal Question Before the Commons.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7841, 19 May 1904, Page 8

The Fiscal Question Before the Commons.

Motions Against Protection.

Government on the Horns of a

Dilemma.

Received May 19, 9.33 a.m

-,r . LONDON, May 18 ber for Banffsh.ro, will move the following to-night :-•• That this House, believing the Protective taxation of iood to be burdensome to the people and injurious to the Empire welcomes the Ministerial declaration that the Government is opposed to such taxation."

The Unionfet Free-fooders, including thirty members of the House of Commons, have a<*reed to support Mr Black's motion" in preference to following the amendment, notice of which was given byMr Joseph Chamberlain, "That the House, noting Mr Balfour's opinion favouring a change in the fiscal policy and his declaration that such change cannot advantageously be undertaken in the present Parliament, expresses continued confidence in the Government."

Owing to the number of Government supporters who have gone abroad for the coming Whitsuntide holidays and the action of the Unionist Free-fooders, the Government is unable to rely upon securing an adequate majority. Mr Balfour will, therefore, move a prior amendment to the follbwing effect :— " That the House considers it unnecessary to discuss the fiscal reform and Mr Balfour's Sheffield declarations regarding which the Government has announced- that no proposals will be si .bmitted' in the present Parliament; that it expresses continued confidence in the Government and desires to proceed with tho business proposed iq the King's speech. "

'It is hoped thus to induce the Unionist Free-fooders to come with the Government or abstain altogether from taking part, in the divisions.

The Times states Mr Black's amendment is simply an Opposition trap ingeniously planned, but wr.ich willy nevertheless, probably prove a greater fiasco than its predecessors.