REJECTED DEPUTATION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18335, 1 March 1934, Page 7

REJECTED DEPUTATION

BRITISH UNEMPLOYED DISCUSSION IN COMMONS LABOR RESENTMENT (British Official Wireless.) Rec. 1 a.m. RUGBY, Feb. 28. When Mr. J. McGovern asked the Prime Minister in the House of Commons that time should be given to discuss a proposal that representatives of the unemployed marchers should be received at the Bar of the House, Mr. Ramsay MacDonald replied that the whole problem of unemployment was engaging the constant attention of the Government, and bill now before Parliament was designed to make possible an improvement in the lot of those who were unfortunately unemployed. He added: “The views of all sections of the people are made known in this House through their elected representatives, and, in the opinion of the Government, no advantage would be gained by acceding to the request.”

After further discussion, it was arranged that the motion should be discussed at the conclusion of to-night’s sitting, which is-devoted to the-committee stage, now approaching its close, of the Unemployment Bill. Subsequently, Mr. G. Buchanan moved an adjournment to discuss the Prime Minister’s refusal to hear a deputation of unemployed marchers either at Downing Street or at the Bar of the House, and said that he treated them scoffingly. (Cries of “No!”)

Mr. Buchanan said that Mr. MacDonald would have enhanced the prestige pf his office by receiving the representatives of the poor folk.

SPEAKER INTERVENES Interruptions began when Mr. McGovern referred to “well-fed over-wined persons,” and Mr. Speaker had to intervene.

Mr. McGovern said it would have been easier to see a Conservative Prime Minister than an ex-Socialist turned Conservative, who seemed to feel that lie must outdo the Conservatives in Iris attitude towards the people with whom he formerly associated. Sir Herbert Samuel, the Liberal leader, amidst ironical Ministerial cheers, said the House ought to have allowed the men to be heard. They had real grievances.

Mr. MacDonald replied that the marches were organised by a body notorious for spreading unconstitutional agitation and propaganda. No one who cared to come to London had a constitutional right to see the Prime Minister, and no Government should countenance these marches, the purpose of which was to stir up hatred and trouble. The cause of unemployment would not be served that way. A different type of mentality was needed. The motion was rejected by 270 votes to 52.