BRITISH POLITICS.

Colonist, Volume L, Issue 12161, 8 February 1908, Page 4

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE NAVAL ESTIMATES. (Per United Press Association). London. February 6. In the House of Commons, Mr Asquitb, Chancellor of the Exchequer, objected to Lord Tweedrnouth's Naval estimates bs too nigh, and the estimates wore returned to the Ad|miralty for revision. The Cabinet has appointed a Com = mittee to consider further 1 retrenchments, especially in the Navy. One hundred and thirty Libet'alnietnberSj pledged to a reduction of armaments, are now pressing the Government to reduce the estimates, though the latter have not yet been tabled. The debate thereon yesterday was postponed, which is probably inconvenient for the Government. The minority of the Committee cf the Nonconformist 'members' of the House of Commons have accepted the project of Mr M'Kenna, President "of the Eoard of Education, to allow contracting out under the coming Education Hill. The majority of the Nonconformist members of the House of Commons thfeaton trouble. Received February 7, 10. .'J0 p.m. London, February 7. Mr Holland moved: "That it is highly important in the interests of trade and commerce to raise the Board of Trade to a secretaryship of State. Mr Conar Law seconded. Mr Asquitb. admitted the desirability of raising tho status of the Bdard, and advised an inquiry relative to the status and emolument of all departments} and also the re-distri-bution of duties, with a view to increasing their eiliciency. The amendment was subsequently withdrawn.