Lords’ Debate on Address-in-Reply

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 274, 9 February 1928, Page 11

Lords’ Debate on Address-in-Reply

KING’S CRYPTIC SPEECH INFLUENCE OF ELECTIONS By Cable. —Press Association. — Copyright. LONDON, Tuesday, The debate in the House of Lords on the Address-in-Reply to the King’s Speech was completed at a single sitting. The Address was moved by the Duke of Montrose and seconded by Lord Cranworth. Tbe latter described the proposed extension of votes to young women as wise and statesmanlike. Lord Haldane attributed the cryptic nature of the King’s Speech to the approach of the general election. He and Viscounts Fitzalan and Younger all condemned the omission of any reference to the reform of the House of Lords. Earl Beauchamp demanded that the Franchise Bill should include electoral reform to prevent a repetition of minority Governments like the present one. He said he was disappointed that the Government had taken up the position of being a drag upon the activities of the League of Nations. The Marquess of Salisbury, Leader of the House, in replying, said the Government favoured arbitration to the utmost length to which it could carry the support of the Governments of the Dominions and Britain. The Government would keep its pledge and deal with the reform of the House of Lords in the term of the present Parliament. LABOUR’S AMENDMENTS FARMERS’ CREDITS WELCOMED LONDON, Tuesday. The Labour Party tabled an amendment to the Address-in-Reply expressing regret that no mention was made in the King’s Speech of measures to grapple with the pressing urgency of the unemployment question, especially in the coal and other basic industries, and its menacing effects in many areas, where industrial enterprise was being crippled and local government was breaking down. Several members of all parties welcomed the scheme for credits for farmers. Mr. C. D. Hsirdie, Labour member for Springburn, Glasgow, complained that reservists from China were not being reinstalled in employment. The House then adjourned. Referring to the Franchise Bill. Mr. Baldwin said it would enable newly enfranchised persons to vote at the next general election. Owing to the small amount of business, the Government had decided to close the session at the end of July and to begin the next session in October or November. It was impossible to deal with controversial matter like the Factory Bill before August.—A. and N.Z.-Sun.