BRITISH AFFAIRS

Southland Times, Issue 18618, 16 August 1919, Page 5

BRITISH AFFAIRS

PROFITEERING BILL. DISCUSSION IN COMMONS. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, August 13. Replying to complaints in the House of Commons that the Profiteering Bill did not touch wholesalers and speculators, Sir Auckland Geddes accepted an amendment empowering the Board of Trade to investigate prices at all stages. Sir Auckland Geddes accepted the principle of a further amendment enabling the Board of Trade without waiting for a complaint to declare a price which would yield a reasonable profit or fix the maximum wholesale and retail prices. Lord Robert Cecil said he was sure Sir Auckland Geddes accepted the principle contained in the amendment and omitted it by inadvertence. To go to extremes would revolutionise the whole trade of the country and place it under absolute autocratic local committees.

Sir D. Mac Lean declared that the amendment was rank Socialism and a muddled Socialism which no one understood.

Sir Auckland Geddes, replying, said* that if a scientific examination showed that there was any reason to believe a national or international combination existed under which the community was in danger of being bled white, the Board would have power to fix prices. The power would not be delegated to a tribunal which would continue for only six months. Sir Gordon Hewart assured the House that it was only proposed to give the power to the central authority.

This assurance satisfied some, but after further strong speeches, Mr Bonar Law said alarm was not justified. There was no intention of fixing maximum prices generally, which would only result in supplies disappearing. He would willingly leave the matter to the free decision of the House. The amendment was withdrawn in favour of Sir Gordon Hevvart’s proposition, with a promise of a further clause limiting the Board of Trade’s power to fix prices. This was carried by 135 to 95. TRIPLE ALLIANCE BALLOT. CHANGE OF GROUND. SEEK VOTE ON STRIKE FOR COAL NATIONALISATION. LONDON, August 12. The Triple Alliance, realising the unpopularity of the threat of a general strike on account of the Russian expedition and repeal of conscription have decided on a new policy. They are now seeking a ballot in favour of a general strike unless the Government promise the nationalisation of coal. MR SMILLiE'S THREATS, (The Times.) LONDON, August 14. Mr R. Smillie, speaking at Ayr, said if the Government refused to nationalise the mines the miners must use their industrial power to force their hands. The industrial horizon was black and he foresaw the approach of a bitter war between capital and labour.

YORKSHIRE MINERS’ LOSSES. LONDON, August 13. The Yorkshire miners have lost five millions sterling in wages and received £380,000 in strike pay out of a total available fund of £1,700,000. YORKSHIRE MEN VOTE FOR RESUMPTION. LONDON, August 14. Received August 15, 7.45 p.m. All the Yorkshire collieries voted in favof a return to work. TO CHECK RASH ACTION. GOVERNMENT CONSIDERING NEW MEASURE. LONDON, August 14. Received August 15, 7.45 pun. The Ministry of Labour is considering legislation making strikes and lockouts illegal without a week’s notice in writing. A prompt public enquiry could be then held and a report issued within a week. THE ENGINEERING TRADE. EXAMINATION OF MEN’S DEMANDS. LONDON, August 14. Received August 15, 7.45 p.m. A conference of representatives of 1,750,000 engineering workers agreed to submit the men’s demands for a forty-four hours’ week to a joint committee of employers and employees with an independent chnirmnn which will report on the economic effect of the change. THE IRISH UNREST. SINN FEINERS ATTACK CASTLE. LONDON, August 12. A dozen Sinn Feiners drove up in motor cars to Drumley Castle, County Armagh, and made a determined effort to seize the Ulster Volunteers’ arms, believed to be hidden in the Castle. Mrs Cope and her sister were awakened from their sleep, got a revolver and gun and fired and wounded a raider. The women were finally overpowered, bound hand and foot, and the house was then searched, but no arms were found. It is believed they were removed a month ago.

GOVERNMENT ACTION. LONDON, August 14. Received August 16, 1 a.m. The Government has decided to suppress the Sinn Fein and kindred organisations, in County Clare. SALE OF WAR STORES. BIG SUM REALISED. LONDON, August 13. The sales of surplus Government war stores realised £155,000,000. Many millions worth are awaiting sale. Salvaged materials in France and Belgium rSSlised nearly nine millions. VISCOUNT GREY’S MISSION. LONDON, August 12. An official message says that Viscount Grey undertakes a special mission to Washington to deal with peace questions until an ambassador is appointed. AT ST. STEPHEN'S. WELSH CHURCH BILL. LONDON, August 13. The House of Commons carried the third reading of the Welsh Church Bill.