BRITAIN’S PROBLEMS.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18168, 5 November 1930, Page 5

BRITAIN’S PROBLEMS.

DEBATE IN COMMONS. CONSERVATIVE AMENDMENT. GOVERNMENT CONDEMNED. United Press Assn.—Elcc. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, Nov.. 3. In the House of Commons to-day Mr Neville Chamberlain moved the Conservative amendment to the Ad-dress-in-Reply, regretting the failure of the Government to propose any measure .-adequate to deal with the crisis in the industrial, agricultural, and commercial situation, or to check the continued growth of unemployment. v Mr Chamberlain condemned the Government for its inaction in connection with unemployment. He said it was like a frightened puppy glued to a kennel, snarling and snapping, but afraid to come out. The Conservatives had a plan consisting of- the immediate protection in one form or another of the home market and the ultimate attainment of the economic unity of the whole Empire. The speaker said he was convinced that tariffs were the easiest and the iea'st disturbing form of protecting the jiome market. Although it might not be applicable to some articles the protection of the home market was the surest way of helping the workers. The President of the Board of Trade, Mr W. Graham, in replying, said the situation in Britain was grave, but 21,000,000 people throughout Europe were receiving public relief, the majority of whom were in protectionist countries. The Government could not deal with the dumping of German and Russian wheat without renouncing commercial treaties. Remembering Britain’s dependence on foreign countries she would be placed at a disadvantage if she entered into the game of tariffs with retaliatory tariffs. Referring to the offer of preferences made by Mr R. B. Bennett, Prime Minister of Canada, Mr Graham said all the Dominions were protecting their own manufactures and none were likely to agree drastically to reduce the tariffs on articles of the greatest importance to British manufacturers. They must remember their foreign trade obligations. Apart from tariffs much could be done by what could be described as voluntary preferences within the Empire. Government Investigations. The Minister instanced Empire rationalisation, bulk purchases, import boards, and improved marketing. These, he said, were being carefully analysed and discussed by the Government, which had not entered into the Imperial Conference empty-handed, though it might have suffered from failure to advertise its wares.

The greatest contribution Britain could make in the voluntary field was a drastic reorganisation of her gi’eat industries —such as coal, iron, steel and cotton —to meet the new conditions of world commerce.

Sir Herbert Samuel (Liberal) said the Government’s lack of activity in dealing with real distress made it difficult to co-operate with it. However, the Liberals saw the real meaning of the amendment. Therefore they would not. support it. The debate was adjourned. "later. ATTITUDE OF LIBERALS. DISSATISFIED WITH LABOUR. WILL ABSTAIN FROM VOTING. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, November 4. Interest is manifested in all quarters as to the attitude of the Liberals toward the Government. It v is believed that Mr Lloyd George is dissatisfied, but hesitates to stroke a blow which would involve a general election. Liberal members of Parliament met last evening to consider their attitude toward the Conservative amendment on unemployment. They decided by a majority to abstain from voting on the division.