BALDWIN GOVERNMENT IN DANGER OF DEFEAT BY OWN SUPPORTERS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6842, 21 February 1929, Page 7

BALDWIN GOVERNMENT IN DANGER OF DEFEAT BY OWN SUPPORTERS

First Time in Career

ADDED COMPENSATION FOE IRISH LOYALISTS

ECONOMY VERSUS HONOUR. PRIME MINISTER THROWS OVER

HIS CHANCELLOR.

United Press Association —By Electric

Telegraph —Copyright. Received Wednesday, 7 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 19,

la the House of Commons, in the Course of a debate on a Government supplementary estimate of £70.000 additional to the £1,000,000 allotted last year for compensation to Irish loyalists, Col. J. Gretton led an unexpected attack from the Conservative back benches, declaring the compensation Was most inadequate. The Government had failed to realise its moral obligations. ■Other Conservatives vehemently denounced what they termed the Government’s niggardliness. Mr. Churchill, in replying, said the compensation fund had already been twice increased in response to pressure. He warned the House of the danger of brushing aside the guardians of the public purse and overturning the considered judgment of Cabinet. The chorus of attacks nevertheless continued and there seemed a likelihood of an amendment being carried against the Government. Mr. Baldwin then walked in and aaved the situation by securing an adjournment in order that the subject might bo re-examined..

Commons Experiences Unprecedented Thrill

OHUBOHHiL’S PACE FLUSHED.

Received Wednesday, 7.5 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 20. It is a long time since the House of Commons experienced a thrill like that of last night. The Government's enormous majority have made the proceedings of the present Parliament dull in the extreme, but a most exciting moment came when the House realised that the Government, for the first time in its career, was in real danger. Mr. Baldwin quickly sized up the strength of the storm and promised that the grievances of the Irish loyalists would receive consideration. After this, the lobbies weie most animated. Opinion is unanimous that the Government, in the event of a division, would have been humilatod by a very small majority, if not defeated. Members are intrigued at Mr. Baldwin’s action in thus throwing over Mr. Churchill, who afterwards left the Houso with a flushed face, amid derisive cheers. Tlfe crisis arose in the House when, after Mr. Churchill had resisted further compensation on tho grounds of economy, Lord Hugh Cecil scornfully retorted that economy did dot mean, refusal to pay a debt of honour.