BRITISH POLITICS.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15185, 10 March 1923, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

CENTRE party abandoned. MR LLOYD GEORGE EXPLAINS. Australian and’N:Z. Cable Assn. LONDON, March 8. Mr Lloyd George has announced that the National Liberals have abandoned the idea of a Centre Party. He considers thaL no Liberal, as a condition of reunion, should be ashed to change his opinion regarding the policy of the Coalition Government from 1915 to 1922. He adds: “My Edinburgh speech was a reply to urgent representations received by Mr Asquith and myself from all parts of the country in favour of Liberal reunion. My earlier offer to confer with the leaders of the Independent Liberals met with no response, but 1 repeat that it is a still open.”

DISTRIBUTION OF HONOURS. PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION. RECOGNITION OP MINISTER. Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn. LONDON. March 8. In the House of Lords Lord Curzon said the Government intended to introduce legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on honours. Mr Roberts, in the House of Commons, pointed out that the successful candidate in the Mitcham by-election only obtained thirty-eight per cent of the votes polled, and asked Mr Bonar Law if he would introduce proportional representation before the general election. ; Mr Bonar Law: “I am not. prepared to adopt the suggestion." Mr Roberts: “Haven't you a fellow feeling for the'members returned by a minority of voters?”

Mr Bonar Law dicl not reply. The Prime Minister has accepted Mr J. W. Hills’ resignation as Financial Secretary to the Treasury, who was. defeated at Edgehill.