BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 121, 25 May 1931, Page 7

BRITISH PARLIAMENT

LAND UTILISATION BILL A DEBATE IN 'THE LORDS RUGBY, May 21. The third reading of the Agricultural Land Utilisation Bill to-day was passed by the House of Lords. Lord Hailsham said he believed the electorate had given its vote for the present Government because the people were willing to give their proposals a trial. Speaking with the assent of the leadersof the Conservative Party, he advised the House to give the Bill its third reading. Lord Banbury’s motion for rejection thereupon was defeated by 62 votes to 6. The Land Utilisation Bill provides for experimental large-scale farming controlled by a corporation to be set up by the Government. The passing of the third reading follows a scries of acrimonious debates which have resulted in Labour’s ill-wind towards the House of Lords being intensified. Previously the Lords rejected all the main clauses in the Bill which, they contended, savoured of land nationalisation. In an earlier speech Lord Hailsham said that the House is no way desired to challenge tho people’s will, but on the contrary was not bound to accept arty measure which a minority Government by disreputable bargaining and jerrymandering managed to squeeze through the House of Commons. It was considered in neutral circles that if the Bill were mutilated beyond recognition the Government would reintroduce it under the Parliament Act. Tho House of Lords already had rejected the School Ago Bill, and in all probability would also mangle the Electoral Bill. Thus a formidable indictment was being built up. In Conservative circles the opinion is that the Government’s policy is to work up a case against the House of Lords, believing it is a good election cry. In discussing tho position the Prime Minister has asserted that the Government ■would fight “with the gloves off.” _____