GOVERNMENT DEFEATED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 141, 17 June 1931, Page 7

GOVERNMENT DEFEATED

[SNAP VOTE IN COMMONS UPROAR FROM OPPOSITION DECISION LATER REVERSED [British Official Wireless.] RLGBY, June 15. A period of much liveliness occurred in the House of Commons to-day while the House was engaged < n the Committee stage of the, Finance Bill. To the general surprise, an amend ment, moved by a Conservative mem ber exempting agricultural land from the provision of the land tax, was car ried against the Government by 232 votes to 208, amid Opposition cheer.' and cries of “Resign.” Air Baldwin inquired of the Prime Minister what course he proposed to adopt. Air AlacDonald, in reply, pointed out that the amendment was moved as a drafting amendment which would have no bearing on the substance of the Bill. In these circumstances che Government would accept tho amendment and would examine it to see if it could be. thus described. Alorc shouting followed this statement and a Conservative member at tempted to provide an occasion for a real test of strength by moving an amendment which he claimed dealt, with the point of substance. Finally Sir Arthur Steel Alaitland (ex-ConserVttive Minister) moved the closure, but the Government ranks had by then been reinforced and the motion was defeated by the narrow ma jority of 246 to 232. thus reversing the result of the snap division. Air Snowden, on the motion for the adjournment, announced his intention of exempting from the land tax, land occupied by friendly societies for investment purposes, lands owned by charities, and public playing fields. THE SIXTH DEFEAT OPINIONS IN THE LOBBIES Received June 16, 9.50 p.m. LONDON, June 16 The Government’s sixth defeat since it came into office, with, differences between the Labourites and Liberals over tho land tax. have accentuated the uncertainties of have accentuated the uncertainties of the political situation. Afany Labour members in the lobby express the opinion the Government niay ppssibly be defeated on the major issues 10-night. On the other hand, the Conservatives are still convinced that there will be sufficient Liberal abstentions to avert a defeat.