BUDGET DEBATE SENDS PARLIAMENT HUMMING.

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 7, 30 July 1930, Page 5

BUDGET DEBATE SENDS PARLIAMENT HUMMING.

Chance of Government Defeat House Awaits Labour Leader’s Speech Independents May Vote Against Government (Special to “Post”) „ WELLINGTON, This Day. The Budget Debate last night lias set Parliament humming. Mr Coates talcing- advantage of the sentiments expressed by the Independent members in opposition to the customs increases as priejudi ciully affecting living costs a nd the Petrol Tax increases because they are being used in the relief of Government obligations from the consolidated fund instead of in a reduction of rates, last night sprang a hostile motion on the House expressing similar opinions. The probability is that the Independents will vote against the Government.

Meanwhile the House is. on the tiptoe of expectation in regard."to Mr H. E. Holland’s .speech to-day, which will disclose the policy of the Labour Party. In view of the opinions expressed! in the House and lobbies by several Labour representatives,'~it may be that the Government will be defeated. Messrs Semple, McKeen and others, have by their interjections in the

House itself, created the impression, that they will vote against the Budget. Mr W. J. Poison, M.P. in the course of a short interview with your correspondent this morning, expressed regret that the Government had not sought to effect more drastic economies instead] of increasing the tax burden so enormously. He did not indicate how he intended to vote.