BRITISH AFFAIRS

Southland Times, Issue 19770, 19 February 1923, Page 5

BRITISH AFFAIRS

ADDRESS-IN-REPLY THE RUHR AND DEBTS ; LABOUR AMENDMENT DEFEATED. (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, February 16. (Received February 18, 5.5 p.m.) In the Address-in-Reply debate, Mr Ramsay Macdonald wound up the case for the amendment, declaring that benevolent neutrality helped neither Britain, France, nor the world. It would merely mislead France and involve the next generation in another war. Mr Stanley Baldwin, replying for the Government, said the clear issue on which the division would be taken was whether the members would adopt the Government’s view that this was not the opportune time to accept Labour’s view that Britain should have an immediate breach with France. The Government was of the opinion that it should continue its present attitude, hoping that the time would come when Britain’s .services as mediator and helper might be possible and effective. The Government was striving with might and main for peace, and believed its effort would yet be crowned with success. He was convinced that tae debt settlement with America at this particular moment would show the world that one country at least in the midst of the maelstrom stood for the sanctity of contractc, and it might be some help to other countries of the world that it stood up against the difficulties in front of it, instead of ignoring or trying to step round them. The amendment was rejected by 277 to 180. A FURTHER AMENDMENT THE WIRELESS LINK. LONDON, February 17. (Received February 18, 5.5 p.m.) Notice of an amendment to the Address in-Reply has been given. The amendment expresses regret at the absence from the Speech of reference to the intention of the Government to provide or permit adequate wireless construction between the Empire and other parts of the world. UNEMPLOYMENT. MINISTER OF LABOUR REPLIES LONDON, February 16.

Sir Montagu Barlow, Minister of Labour, replying in the House of Commons to a debate on unemployment, said the Government was earnestly alive to the duty of pressing on measures for alleviating unemployment. Nevertheless the picture was not so black as painted. The savings of the people were increasing as shown by Savings Bank deposits and other investments. Road development and similar systems had been in progress since November. These schemes provided work for an additional 200,000 men. Expenditure out of the employment fund in two and a-half years had totalled £120,000,000. j THE LIBERAL WINGS. A RE UNION MOVEMENT. LONDON, Februray 16. Seventy of the rank and file of the Wee Free and National Liberal members of the House of Commons after gaining their eaderis approval, but not seeking their signatures, passed a resolution that public nterest demanded the re-union of the Liberal Party on the basis of Liberal principles. “We believe the constituencies are yearning for united Liberal action both in she Parliament, and country. Only on such a basis can Liberalism survive as a powerful commanding influence in the National life.”

DUKE OF YORK. SCENE OVER ALLOWANCE QUESTION LONDON, February 16. There was something approaching a scene in the House of Commons over a question by Mr Kirkwood (Labour), whether the Duke of York’s allowance of £lO,OOO a year would be increased to £25,000 on his marriage, whether the approval of Parliament was necessary, and whether income tax and super-tax were payable. The Hon. Stanley Baldwin replied chat provision was authorised under old Acts, and was chargeable with income tax and super-tax. Mr Kirkwood characterised the answer as unintelligible. Amid a rousing chorus of interruptions Mr Kirkwood demanded that the reply should be couched in language that the people he represented could understand. There had been much talk of economy and the working classes were having their'wages reduced. The present was a glorious opportunity for starting at the top of the tree. The uproar was such that Mr Kirkwood .vas inaudible and sat down shouting, “I won’t be insulted!” HOUSE SHORTAGE. GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE SUBSIDIES. LONDON, February 17. (Received February 18, 5.5 p.m.) Sir A. Griffith-Bosca wen, opening the byelection campaign at Mitcham, announced that the Government had decided to con•inue the Rent Restriction Act for two and a-half years. It was impossible to rely entirely on unaided private enterprise to make good the appalling house shortage throughout the country. The Government had de cided during the transitional period to assist by giving a limited subsidy per house for small workers homes, the subsidy enabling building societies to advance more than two-thirds of the value of the house to be purchased. The new Bill would be introduced shortly.

FARMERS’ LOSSES. HEROIC MEASURES NO GOOD. LONDON, February 17. (Received February 18, 5.5 pan.) Sir Robert Sanders, Minister of Agriculture, addressing Lincolnshire farmers, said that farmers could not continue producing at a loss all over the world, but the evil must remedy itself. It was useless to consider heroic measures like subsidies, protective duties on foodstuffs. The last Government found this so expensive that it had to drop it. They had to recognise that many people had an almost fanatical opposition to protection. He did not believe the House of Commons would pass subsidies. The prices of cereals were low, because there was a surplus. Production must be reduced before a reasonable price could be again reached. The Government wanted the agricultural communities’ solid backing in order to substantially help the farmers as regards rates. The Marquis of Exeter declared that death duties were ruining the countryside and were the chief cause of rural depopulation. THE DRUG PROBLEM. STRICTER MEASURES PROPOSED. LONDON, February 18. The Government is introducing a Bill amending the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1920. It provides maximum penalities of ten years’ penal servitude with a maximum fine of £lOOO for the improper importation and possession of morphine, cocaine or opium.