IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Western Star, 20 May 1904, Page 3

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

London, May 18. Mr A. W . Black, member for Banffshire, will move the following to-night, •'That the House, believing protective taxation of food will be burdensome to the people and injurious to the Empire, welcomes the Ministerial declaration that the Government is opposed to such taxation." Unionist free-fooders, including thirty members of the Commons have agreed to support Mr Black's motion in preference to the following amendment, notice of which has been given by Mr Joseph Chamberlain ; That the House, noting Mr Balfour's opinion favouring a change of fiscal policy and his declaration that such change cannot advantageously ba undeitaken in the present Parliament, expresses continued confidence in the Government." Owing to the number of Government supporters who have gone aboard for the coming Whitsuntide holidays and to the action of Unionist free-fodders, the Government is unable to rely upon securing pn adequate majority. Mr Balfour will therefore move a prior amendment to the following effect:—That this House considers it unnecessary to discuss fiscal reform and Mr Balfour's Sheffield declarations regarding which the Government has announced that no proposals will be submitted to the present Parliament ; expressed continued confidence in the Goverment, and desires to proceed in the King's speech." It is hoped this will induce Unionist Fx-ee-fodders to come in with the Government or abstain altogether from taking part in the divisions. Mr Blacks motion was negatived by 306 to 251.