BRITISH POLITICS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12776, 21 October 1919, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS.

BAD FINANCIAL OUTLOOK

LONDON, October 20. Wednesday's roassemblagc of Parliafocusses attention upon the deplorable financial outlook. The first six months of the financial rear show a deficit exceeding £312,000,000. The Government will be bombarded with questions relating to retrenchment. A vast number have already been tabled. Mr Austen Chamberlain will be asked Avhcther he intends to introduce a supplementary Budget, and the answer is awaited with keen interest, particularly in view of strong business and trading objections to such a course. It is understood Mr Lloyd George will readily respond to the demand to debate the whole question of economy and also that he intends to promise a speedy return to the constitutional system of Cabinet control of expenditure. t lt is generally admitted that the Government’s position has been greatly strengthened owing to firm handling of the strike, but members are returning from their constituencies deeply impressed with the widespread indignation at the failure to check" Departmental extravagance. The autumn sitting promises a record number of highly controversial Government Bills, dealing with the constitution of the Joint Industrial Council, maximum hours; State purchase of mineral rights, prevention of dumping, protection of key industries, and others, while , the urgent necessity of settling the Irish problem gives additional prospect of a lively session.