BRITISH POLITICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3525, 4 October 1921, Page 19

BRITISH POLITICS.

LONDON, September 26. It is understood that the Government does not intend to hold a prolonged autumn session. It is not expected that the Irish negotiations, even if they proceed most favourably, are likely to reach a stage rendering debate necessary or possible by October 18. The Prime Minister informed Mr Clynes that if legislation was found necessary to deal with unemployment a Bill would not be ready before October 13; therefore there would be no advantage in assembling Parliament earlier. MR LLOYD GEORGE’S HEALTH. LONDON, September 27. A verbatim report of Mr Lloyd George’s interview with the Labour Mayors on September 22 states that he told the deputation, “I wish my health permitted me to go back to London and summon my colleagues, but my doctor forbids this, and I shall be of little use to the unemployed if I go back lame, halt, and exhausted.*- Perhaps the reflection I shall give the problem will not be the worse if given without the incessant drain on one’s strength which eats a wav your mind, nerve, and energy.” Later the Prime Minister said: “For years I have been trying to get away for a little rest, but the terrible problems of the modern world are pursuing me every time. Personally i wish these taskswere entrusted to someone else, but as long as I am here I must accept the responsibility and I am prepared to accept it.” Lord Dawson, the King’s physician, declares that Mr Lloyd George is convalescent. but that ho must be careful if a renewed breakdown is to be avoided. It is not expected that any Ministerial conference will be held during the Prime Minister’s present holidaysEXPEND!’]'!' RE EXCEEDS ESTIM \TES. LONDON, October 1. The half-year’s revenue is £456,163,000, of which Customs revenue totals £63,318,000. excise duties £93,425,000, stamps £7,386,000, nroperty and income tax £140,057,000, excess profits tax £27,064,000. Tiie decreases, compared with the similar period in 1920, are as follow:—Customs £4,516,000, stamps £5,040.000, excess profits £82,336,000. Increases are: Excise duties £4.579.000, property and income tax £13,702.000. The Budget estimated the reduction at £200,000,000, compared with the previous year’s revenue, but the figures for the half-year show a reduction of £163,000,000. The half-year’s expenditure has decreased £43.000.000 compared with 1920 The Chancellor estimated a decrease of £144 000,000 for the whole year.