BRITISH POLITICS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 20 February 1931, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS

UNEMPLOYMENT BILL SECOND READING DEBATE WINSTON CHURCHILL’S SPEECH (United Press Association—By Electrfo Telegraph- Copyright) LONDON, 18th February. In the debate on the second reading of the Unemployment Insurance Bill, Mr Winston Churchill, after condemning Mr Lloyd George’s recent speech concerning tlie City of London, turned to the causes of the great economic collapse. He said they could be described in one word, “Asia.” China was in a state of anarchy and India seething with unrest, while Russia constituted an economic factor, stranger and more menacing than anything witnessed. Nevertheless, the resources, strength, and energy of comradeship of these islands were unsurpassed, perhaps unequalled, in the world. Much would have to be endured, but we had ridden through many a gale. We must reach out our hands in special co-opera-tion with our kith and kin the world wide. “When the economic revival of the Western World comes, ns surely it will, despite Asia, we shall be borne forward to the forefront. Normal industry will, reabsorb tlie unemployed by manageable dimensions.” Mr Lloyd George, answering a charge that his City speech resulted in a fall of securities, reminded Mr Churchill that not even the joint efforts of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and himself had reduced securities as low as they were when Mr Churchill was in office. They were higher even now than when he loft office. He wondered why Mr Churchill made a speech which was entirely irrelevant. The Bill, with the exception of a few phrases tacked to the end to give an air of statesmanship to it was an excellent comic turn. Mr Jack Jones (Labour) combatting Opposition statements tliat there was no money in the country, referred to the speedy success of the Indian loan. “If the devil himself would float a loan and guarantee 5 per cent, on the flames of hell, money would be raised.” (Roars of laughter.) The division was then taken, the second reading being carried by 279 votes to 218.

SCHOOL AGE BILL LORDS’ REJECTION LONDON, 19th February. Lobbyists state that the Government will reintroduce the School Age Bill in the House of Commons next session. Under the Parliament Act procedure, if carried twice, it must be passed despite the Peers. Tlie Bill, in any event, cannot come into operation till accompanied by a money Bill providing for church schools, regarding which an agreement with the managers has not been reached. The Government, in the circumstances, does not regard the situation the Lords have created as seriously inconvenient.