LIMITED DEBATE

Southland Times, Issue 21560, 25 November 1931, Page 7

LIMITED DEBATE

WESTMINSTER STATUTE IRISH TREATY REMAINS INVIOLABLE AMENDMENT REFUSED (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) London, November 23.< In the House of Commons, the Prime Minister, Mr Ramsay MacDonald informed Mr Edward Marjoribanks (Conservative) that he intended to act in a very miserly fashion in regard to the time allowed for discussion on the Statute of Westminster because the Government was under the most emphatic obligation to the Dominions to pass it without delay. Mr Marjoribanks’ opposition to the second reading was dropped on Mr J. H. Thomas’s promise for further consideration in the light of the debate. It was urged that more than one day should be allotted to the discussion. It was stated that Mr MacDonald was at present of the opinion that one day would be sufficient, but that perhaps there could be negotiations concerning the matter. The Australian Press Association understands that Mr Baldwin in the House of Commons to-morrow will announce that the Government will not accept Colonel J. Gretton's amendment to the Statute of Westminster imposing a saving clause in respect to the Irish Free State treaty as the Government regards it as unnecessary. Furthermore it would be a serious thing to alter what all the dominions supported at the 1930 conference.

It is emphasized that the Irish Free State and South Africa both asked that the Bill should not refer to their unitary constitutions, so the Government could not particularize one without the other. In addition under the 1926 decision Ireland’s consent was required for any British Act affecting the Dominion. In this instance the Statute would virtually be declaring that it did not trust Ireland’s word. The Government will emphasize that the Irish treaty will remain as inviolably binding after the passage of the Statute as now. Mr Thomas has accepted an amendment to sub-clause two of clause ten ensuring safeguarding provisions of the Australian State constitutions. HOUSE OF LORDS MAY REJECT BILL. (Rec. 7 p.m.) London, November 24. The Sun-Herald understands the Government is greatly concerned at the possibility that the House of Lords will reject, the Statute of Westminster Bill. Labourites in the House of Commons will support the Government, but many Conservatives may possibly vote against the Government or abstain from voting. “POLICY OF NEGATION” MORNING POST'S OPINION. (Rec. 10.15 p.m.) London, November 24. The morning Post says: “The Statute of Westminster will have a cold welcome because the new Parliament believes in a positive policy, whereas the Bill expresses, a policy of negation. We have not the least desire to repress the freedom of the dominions, but “should like to see it reinforced with a positive policy of economic unity. The Statute is inappropriate to the new and more hopeful feeling which begins and, we hope, will spread from the Mother Country to the dominions. There are two ways of treating it—either revise and amend it, or if that is found impossible, accompany it with a declaration of the Imperial Government’s intention to invite the dominions to consider how they may unite the Empire for the common benefit.”