BRITISH ESTIMATES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 9163, Issue 9163, 12 March 1910, Page 3

BRITISH ESTIMATES.

A GOVERNMENT MANOEUVRE. (Bx Electbic Telegbafh—COPYßlGHT.'i (Peb Press Association.) LONDON, March 11. The publication of the Estimates disclosed the fact that the Government is only making provision for supplies fGr six weeks instead of to cover the session as usual. In the House of Commons Mr Chamberlain asked for an explanation. Mr Lloyd-George replied that the Government was reverting to a practice which was in operation before 1896, because it was desirable that the House should keep control over the Executive, since the Government did not deem it expedient to arm tho Executive with funds which would make it practically independent of tho House of Commons at the present critical time. Mr Chamberlain characterised tho plan as a shabby maneouvre in the Government's Parliamentary name. The Government was holding office by threats, and might be snapped at any moment. They were striving to leave the greatest financial confusion behind them. Lord Hugh Cecil declared that it was. clear that, tho Government intended at a later stage of the session, if turned oat of oflice, to ask the House to refuse j Crown supplies. Such a coursc had not been taken since the reign of Charles I. Tho Government was designing to wreck the Constitution at all hazards.