IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2996, 16 August 1911, Page 27

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

LONDON, August 10.

The Government has reintroduced the baths clause in the Coal Mines Bill in an amended form. It now stipulates that the owners shall provide baths if two-thirds of the men desire them, the men paying one-half the cost of maintenance, the maximum to be weekly. Several members argued that the instalment of baths would cost £50,000, and that that -would mean the ruin of many businesses. It was impossible to get workers to use baths except in working hours. It is stated that the Government has refused to exempt Ireland from the Payment of Members Bill, and that the Irish party has decided, under the circumstances, not to take hostile action. The House of Commons carried Mr Lloyd George’s motion in favour of tbs payment of members. L In the House of Commons, when debating the second reading of the Finance Bill, Mr Lloyd George stated that 800,000 properties had been valued, and only 25 appeals received. Sir H- Dalzuel will introduce a Scottish Home Rule Bill on Wednesday. He ■proposes a Parliament in Edinburgh of 144 members, including two members for

each of the present constituencies. He does not propose to change the present representation at Westminster until some federal system is adopted.