IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3400, 14 May 1919, Page 16

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

(By Cable.) LONDON, May 3. In the House of Commons Sir Hamar Greenwood, Under-secretary for Home Affairs, moved the second reading of a Prevention of Anthrax Bill, empowering the prohibition hi the importation of goods infected or likely to be infected with anthrax, compulsory disinfection of infected wool or similar goods, and the establishment of State works for disinfection of infected goods at importers' cost. Sir Hamar Greenwood said that despite all precautions the number of cases of anthrax in wool and allied trades had steadily increased. The Bill was based on the unanimous recommendation of a committee representing the trades concerned. A process has been recently discovered for/ eliminating the anthrax germ without affecting the material. The cost of establishing the first disinfecting station was estimated at over £40,000. * May 6. The House of Commons read a second time a private Bill compelling the use of an anaesthetic in all operations on animals, including docking of tails. The Bill also abolishes vivisection. The Government has accepted the prin-' ciple of the Bill, but in committee will suggest amendments. May 10. The House of Commons carried the second reading of a Bill extending for another six months the regulations stabilis*-. ing wages. Mr Shortt (Home Secretary) in the House of Commons absolutely denied thai the War Cabinet promised to recognise the Policemen's Union. Recognition was, impossible, and events at the Trafalgai square meeting proved it. He admitted that the pay was inadequate.