BRITISH POLITICS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10517, 27 July 1910, Page 4

BRITISH POLITICS.

[By Electric Telegraph—Copyright "J

(Per Press Association.)

Received July 27, at 0.5 a.m. London, July 26.

In the House of Commons the Finance and Civil List Bills were read a first time. - ■ -.

The Appropriation Bill was read a third time.

Mr Chamberlain enquired regarding Mr Lloyd-George's action in varying the assessment of public houses in Ireland. The Finance Act prescribed Mr Griffiths' valuation, plus 20 per cent., but under an administrative order the addition will not exceed 5 per cent. Mr Lloyd-George replied that the 20 per cent, was merely possible as a maximum. Mr Griffiths' valuation, with 5 per cent, added, represented a failvalue. He added that publicans should be treated on the same basis throughout the United Kingdom, and the regulations ought to bo made by Parliament and not by the Department. Mr M'Kenna announced that tenders for destroyers for service in New Zealand waters will be invited in October. Mr Bathurst suggested a referendum with a view to preventing the long and acrimonious agitation on women's suffrage. Mr Asquith replied that the proposal was novel, and the Government had not yet considered it. Received July 27, at 8.25 a.m.

London, July 26. In the House of Lords, Lord Loreburn announced that future appoint ments of justices of the peace would be non-political.