NOTES FROM LONDON.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16613, 10 December 1919, Page 3

NOTES FROM LONDON.

THE HOUSING BILL. PASSED WITHOUT DIVISION. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received Dec. 10, 8.46 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 9. The House of Commons earned the second reading of the Housing Bill without a division. THE HOUSE OP COMMONS. WORKING UP TO CREISTMAS. LONDON, Dec. 4. In the House of Commons, Mr. Lloyd George stated that he anticipated that the House would rise on December 23rd until early in February. He pointed out that the session had, been unprecedentedly heavy and in view of the, time expended upon a number of important reconstruction measures the House would be asked to alter standing orders so that Bills could be taken up in the next session at the stage where they had been left.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PEACE TREATY PROBLEMS. LONDON, Dec. 4. The War Office announces that FieldMarshal Wilson (Chief of Staff) has departed for Paris, in response to an urgent summons to consult Marshal Foch in connection with the Peace Treaty.— ' Reuter Service.REPLY TO DISCHARGED MEN. GOVERNMENT CAN DO NO MORE. (Received Dec. 10, 9.10 a.m.) LONDON, Deo. 9. Mr. Lloyd George, replying to the Discharged Soldiers’ Federation, points out that the Treasury has definitely decided that the gratuities cannot be increased. The Government has done everything possible to assist demobilised men to obtain employment and the present position cannot be regarded as unsatisfactory. Out of 4,600,000 demobilised men, 335,000 men are receiving the unemployment donation.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. PARTY DISCIPLINE. AND APPOINTMENT OP CANDIDATES. (Received Dec. 10, 9.10 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 8. A meeting of Coalition and Independent Liberal members of the House of Commons discussed the actions of the whips’ office in selecting a candidate for the Spen Valley to oppose Sir John Simon whom the local association had selected. It was decided to postpone the matter till next session, when the whole matter wijl be debated as a question of principle. PROBLEM OF UNEMPLOYMENT. GROWING LESS ACUTE. (Received Deo. 10, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 8. The unemployed have steadily decreased for several weeks. Ninety per cent, of the demobilised men have been absorbed, and the only increases are due to the ftonmomders’ strike. There is a marked improvement in London, Birmingham, and Glasgow. COST OF PENSIONS. OVER 100 MILLIONS. (Received Dec. 10, lO.ou a.m.) The total cost of pensions for the current financial year is £104,899,000.