BRITISH POLITICS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10499, 6 July 1910, Page 4

BRITISH POLITICS.

[By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.] (Per Press Association.) Received July 5. at 11.10 p.m. Loudon, July 5. In the House of Commons, replying to Mr J. 13. Lonsdale, Mr M'Kenna stated that the Italian estimates included " four .Dreadnoughts. Austria would not have four Dreadnoughts by 1913, and if Germany wishes she,can complete seventeen Dreadnoughts by 1912. ./■•.••; Mr Churchill introduced a Bill forbidding shop assistants to. work more than 60 hours, or after 8 o'clock more than three evenings per week. The Bill provides a universal weekly halfholiday. He promised, if the Bill was not opposed, that it would be passed during the present session. A "discursive debate took place on the Budget. Mr Chamberlain commented on Mr Lloyd-George's statement that he hoped that by 1912, when the German programme drops 50 per centum, wo should all return to more normal and saner conditions. In the House of Commons Mr Chamberlain retorted that if Mr LloydGeorge disagreed with a vote of £10,000,000 for the Navy estimates he should resign. It was reckless to hold out hopes of social reforms depending oil fthe naval policy of a foreign Power: ; . Mr Phil Snowden complained of deferring the fulfilment of the pledge to deal with unemployment and infirmity, and hoped the day would come when a' Budget of,. £200,000,000 to £4oo,ooo,oooWould be passed, none of which would be expended on antiquated and provisional national defence.