BRITISH POLITICS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1825, 11 August 1913, Page 7

BRITISH POLITICS.

MARCONI CONTRACT. | RATIFIED BY PARLIAMENT.! THE SESSION ENDING. By Telegraph.—Pjloeb Association—Copyright London, August 8. The House of Commons lias agreed to tho new contract between tlio Government and tho Marconi Company for au Imperial chain of wireless stations by 221 votes to 14D. Mr. Masterman, Secretary to the Treasury, in moving: the acceptance of tho Marconi wireless contract, justified it on tho ground of urgency. Sir Hcury Norman (Liberal) denied that urgency, and pleaded for Stato ownership. Lord Robert Cecil (Unionist) claimed that tho Government was giving a monopoly. Ho criticised the action of tho managers of tho company in. offering members of the Cabinet shares. Mr. Samuel, Postmaster-General, declared that tho Government was fortunate in finding a company willing' to invest half a million and recoivo no payment unless tho wireless stations proved satisfactory. ("Times" Sydney "Sun" Special Cables.) Tho Prime Minister, Mr. Asquith, said he would have preforred Hat the Government should erect its own wireless stations, but lie could not honestly recommend the House to entrust tho work to tho Government. Ho earnestly urged the House to ratify the Marconi contract. An earlier message stated"Lord Robert Cecil (Unionist) has given notice to moyo: 'That in the abseneo of an independent report oil the desirableness of the Marconi contract this House is not prepared to approve of. tho agreement.' The Opposition intends to strenuously opposo tho contract, and has issued an urgent whip." INDIAN AFFAIRS. London, August 8. During a debate on the Indian, Budget in the Houso of Commons, Mr. E. S. Montagu, Parliamentary -Under-Secretary for India, stated that the continued revenuo prosperity of India was duo largely to tho increased railway profits. Tho guiding principles of tho Government's ' policy wero co-operation and devolution. It was proposed to remove tho business of tho Native States from the Foreign Secretary, and to appoint a special secretary to handle them. He admitted that there wero disquieting features in' Bengal. Without disclosing its nature, ho denied that tho attempt on the lifo of Lord Hardinge, tho Viceroy, was the outcome of a wide national movement. END OF THE SESSION. London, August 8. ■ Mr. Asquith announced that tho prorogation would tako place on August 15 or 16. Ho said that owing to opposition it was impossible to proceed with tho Stuart Samuel Indemnity Bill this session,, releasing Sir Stuart Samuel from his liability to fines of .£45,000 for voting illegally in the House on 90 occasions. In a letter addressed to Mr. Illingworth, M.P., Samuel, Montagu, and Company stato that Mr. Bonar Law, Leader of the Opposition, has not accopted the firm's challenge to inspcct their books in connection with dealings in silver, and adds: "If there is any official opposition to tho Stuart Samuel Indemnity Bill, Sir Stuart Samuel would prefer tho Bill to be withdrawn." Tho Government lias dropped the short Education Bill, owing to pressure of business. The Bill would enablo tbo Government to afford limited immediate relief to education authorities. SUFFRAGE DEPUTATION SEES ■ PRIME MINISTER. London, August 8. A deputation from tho National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies waited on Mr. Asquith, tho Prime Minister, and pointed out the great advance in favourable opinion regarding the woman suffrage question, which was becoming one of democraoy rather than sex. Mir. Asquith said lie had received the deputation because of the very impressive law-abiding demonstration held in Hydo Park last month. Ho advised tho deputation to proceed along non-militant lines; if they converted tho public nothing would prevent the success of the movement.

CLERGYMEN'S PROTEST. ("Times"—Sydney "Sun" Special Cables.) London, August 9. • One hundred and fifty Anglican clergymen have petitioned Mr. Asquith against the "Cat and Mouse Act," for dealing with Suffragettes. ; The petitioners protest in tho namo of God against "this oruol and unprecedented procedure."