LIBERAL AMENDMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21362, 16 June 1931, Page 7

LIBERAL AMENDMENT

BRITISH LAND TAXATION CRISIS i MAY BE AVOIDED PRESS MORE OPTIMISTIC , (British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) RUGBY, June 14. More optimistic views are expressed by the press regarding the political situation arising out of the Government’s resistance to the Liberal amendment on land taxation. Yesterday’s conference between Ministers and the Liberals, according to the Daily Herald, eased the crisis. It says that some progress towards an agreement was made, and it is hoped that as a result of further consultations ‘-a basis of agreement will be reached on Monday. The belief that a way out of the difficulty will be found persists in Labour quarters. It is shared by the Daily Mail, the News : Chronicle, and the Daily Telegraph. The News-Chronicle says that the position is extremely delicate. The Daily Express makes light of the difficulties, which, it believes, will be solved by the Liberals redrafting their amendment in / acceptable terms. The Morning Post anticipates that escape will be found in this way from the crisis, which it says is now reduced to a mere misunderstanding. The Times declares that in view of yesterday’s talk, which ended in failure to agree on reasonable alternative words for the amendment, it is possible that the final decision, will not be taken on Tuesday, when the disputed clause is due for consideration by the House of Commons, and that a few more days may be gained in which to find a formula. The Manchester Guardian sees no valid reason why a" way out of the difficulty could not be found. It suggests that during Tuesday’s debate Mr Snowden will ridicule the amendment, but later in the debate Mr MacDonald, while expressing opposition to it, will offer to consider a recommendation before the report stage of the Bill is reached. In such case there is little doubt that the Liberal leader accept the overture. However, there is a deadlock. f • ' ‘