FRENCH FINANCES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 104, 1 April 1926, Page 7

FRENCH FINANCES.

DEBATE IN CHAMBER. COMMUNIST OUTBREAK. PARIS, March 30. Mouselike quietude in the packed Chamber of Deputies for the momentous financial debate which is to decide the fate not only of tho Government but possibly also of France, lasted while the Finance Committee’s reporter outlined tho position, explaining that the problem was to find about 2460 million francs, , M. Peret, Finance Minister, followed, pleading the urgency of financial reconstruction, including a. business turnover. The Chamber’s tranquility was shattered by the sensational entry of the two newly-elected Paris Communists, which was greeted by all tho Communists rising and singing the “Internationale,” to tho accompaniment of indignant shouts from the Right. M. Herriot, President of tho Chamber, suspended the sitting. After a five minutes’ interval, however, a fresh start was attempted. A number of suggested amendments to the poll tax were rejected or shelved. Finally the debate was adjourned until, to-morrow.

Tho Finance committee, meanwhile, will resume its arduous efforts. M. Pere insisted that the bill must be voted on to-morrow.—Reuter. FRENCH FRANC STEADIER. LONDON, March 30. The French franc’s exchange on London is steadier, closing at 141| to tho £1 on the progress of tho Finance Minister’s new taxation proposals, but the Belgian franc again slumped oil heavy selling, opening at 1261 to the £1 and closing at 131$. —Sydney Sun cable.

AVERTING A CRISIS. SOCIALISTS WILL' NOT VOTE. Recived April 1, 10.15 a. m. PARIS, March 31. The Socialist party decided not to vote against the Government, but to abstain from voting when the motion of confidence is proposed in order not to provoke a ministerial crisis.

It is believed that this decision will assure a Government majority in the Chamber for tho Finance Bill including the much criticised increase of the turnover tax.

The Chamber resumed the debate on the Government financial proposals and adopted tho poll tax without division with certain amendments, including one authorising persons exempt from the poll tax to make a voluntary donation of a minimum of 20 francs, thus enabling French people at home and in the colonies to practically demonstrate their patriotism.—A. and N.Z. cable.