BRITISH POLITICS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8861, 11 July 1907, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

Press Association.—Copyright. London, July 10. In the House of Commons Mr Harold Cox moved the reduction of the sugar duties by a half, denouncing them as a tax on food and raw material. Mr Asquith replied that the duty had been imposed as part of the scheme of broadening the basis of taxation, and asked .were the Opposition prepared to abandon that idea ? Personally he regarded the tax as oppressive and iniquitous, but he was unable at present to sacrifice six millions without dislocating his budget. The motion was negatived by 312 to 175. The minority consisted of Unionists, Labor members, Nationalists and twelve Liberals. Death in the House of Commons. Sir Alfred Billson fainted in the division lobby when about to vote on Mr Cox’s motion as to the sugar duties, and died half an hour later, it is believed from hemorrhage of tho brain. His daughter was in the ladies’ gallery at the time. The House immediately adjourned. Work for Unemployed.

London, July 10,

Mr Ilamsay MacDonald’s Bill providing work through public authorities for the unemployed has been read a first time. It compels local Councils to register unemployed and to provide schemes for local work; creates a central unemployed committee to conduct national schemes of afforestation, road making, reclamation of foreshores and waste lands. Local authorities will bo able to report deliberate and habitual shirkers whereupon a court of summary jurisdiction will authorise tho Councils to force them to work for six months. The financial schemes are thrown on the rates except when the distress is exceptional in which case Parliament will vote relief the acceptance of which does not entail loss of the franchise.