BRITISH POLITICS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 128, 22 July 1911, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

(Received 22, 10 a.m.) London, July 21. The Luton (Bedford) election resulted :—Cecil Harmswortn (Liberal) 7619, Hickman (Unionist) 7007. (Received 22, 8.5 a.m.) London, July 21. In the debate on the Colonial Office estimates, Mr Harcourt, in reply to Sir Gilbert Parker, said the Imperial Conference had brought co-operation within the Empire nearer than anything previously. The Conference's resolution for a Royal Commission on Imperial trade would not prevent the Dominions passing any legislation they chose', but hound the Commission not to make recommendations with reference to the fiscal policy of any part of the Empire. Without absolutely committing himself, ho thought the terms of the resolution ought to bo terms of reference, but if it was found that this permitted an enquiry into the fiscal policy of different parts of the Empire, he would not hesitate to amend the reference. It was unfair to measure the Conference’s accomplishments merely by a resolution. Referring to the unwillingness of the Premier’s to accept his proposal of a standing committee, ho remarked that it was an attempt to meet New Zealand’s resolution, and it met Sir Joseph Ward’s and the Australian representatives’ views, but failed to appeal to the other members. The ultimate position was that the premiers said: “Steady, young man; you are going too fast.” (Laughter.) Mr Harcourt said he had accepted a position no British Minister had ever been in before—namely, that of pressing on the dominions the necessity of a greater amount of consultation than they wished; but ho willingly accepted the Conference’s decision. Consultations on Imperial defence had been a great success, and were of great value. The Court of Appeal arrangements had given ample satisfaction to every Dominion. The debate was adjourned.

Viscount Wolmer enquired the extent where to the overseas dominions would be committed by the approval of the Anglo-Japanese treaty. Sir Edward Grey said the action of the Dominions in the event of war was matter for consideration by the Imperial Government in consultation with the Dominions, and not a matter for discussion with any foreign Government.

Mr Asquith announced that the Government would keep Monday free in the Commons for any proceedings necessary when the Parliament Bill was returned from the Lords. (Received 22, 11.30 a.in.) • London, July 21.

Mr. Keir Hardie states that the Insurance Bill is doomed, and that Mr. Lloyd-George’s health is giving way under the strain, the defects in the njeasuro being more serious than were imagined. The “Chronicle” says the fate of the Bill hangs in the balance. The Government Veto Bill is exposed to the constant risks of critical divisions, an*! special responsibility is attached to the Labour members.