BRITISH PARLIAMENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21961, 19 November 1934, Page 9

BRITISH PARLIAMENT

— BUSY SESSION ENDS CHANGES IN PROCEDURE British Wireless J RUGBY. Nov. 16 An exceptionally heavy legislative output for the Parliamentary session, which ended to-day tras made possible in the House of Commons by agreement to allow more of the time normally allotted to private measures to be devoted to consideration of Government measures and by increased work done by the Standing Committee. Permanent changes in procedure fecommended by a Select Committee representing all parties were accepted in the House last evening and will, it is believed, facilitate work in future. These changes include giving to the chairman of the. Standing Committee power, at present possessed only by the Speaker, of selecting amendments for debate.

Mr. Baldwin, in recommending these proposals, said their justification was cumulative. The growth of democracy had meant more than was foreseen, and therefore more legislation. Parliament must accommodate itself to deal with these tasks or it would be discredited. The proposals were approved by 144 votes to 24. King's Speech at Prorogation An even heavier programme of work lies before the next session of Parliament which will be opened by the King on Tuesday. The outstanding measure is the Indian Constitution Bill. It is expected that when the House of Commons reassembles at the end of January after the Christmas recess, the text of this measure will be before it. In the meantime, the report of the Joint Select Committee will be published next Wednesday evening. The King's speech on- the prorogation of Parliament referred to the murder of the Austrian Chancellor, Dr. Dollfuss, in July, and to the assassination of King Alexander of Yugoslavia and M. Barthou in October, which profoundly shocked the world and evoked the sympathy of His Majesty' and his people. These tragedies undoubtedly had caused a serious setback to movements then on foot for European appeasement. His Majesty noted with satisfaction the untiring efforts of his Government to counsel moderation and the promotion of more friendly relations between the nations. The hope was expressed that the naval discussions with the United States and Japan would meet with success, so that the world might be spared the evil of unrestricted competition in naval armaments. Improved National Finances The Royal speech also stated that the welcome given to Prince George in South Africa and to the Duke of Gloucester in Ceylon and Australia had been a source of great pleasure to the King and Queen. The King went oq to refer to the proposed Indian reforms. A Joint Committee of both Houses had concluded its inquiries, and its recommendations .would be before Parliament shortly. Seldom, if ever, had an inquiry covered a wider or more important field. On home affairs, His Majesty stated that the purchasing and saving power of the people had been strengthened. National finances had so far improved as to justify a substantial alleviation of the burdens accepted three years ago. The continued improvement in trade and employment gave great satisfaction and, although unhappily some areas had not shared in this improvement, their special conditions were engaging the attention of Ministers.