QUIET DAY IN BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2593, 15 October 1915, Page 5

QUIET DAY IN BRITISH PARLIAMENT

AWAITING THE BALKAN SETTLEMENT

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

London, October 13. The day.;,was quiet at the House of Commons, in view of the historic sitting to-morroWj which many members desire should includo a general debate on the Balkan situation. TII3 Government is considering tho possibility of permitting tho debate.

The House proceeded with tho second reading of tlio Finance Bill, particularly the income tax proposals.

The Balkan Situation,

London, October 13. The latest developments in the Balkans is political rather than military. The Anglo-French landing has given an impetus to the' National Service campaign. It is reported in the lobby that Lord Kitchener's minimum requirements in recruits are thirty thousand a week, but conscriptionists urge that the extension of the war area to the Balkans necessitates an increase. There is also much comment on Lord Haldane's return, after a visit to France upon what is described as a most important mission. The. excitement in political circles in London is echoed in Paris,, where the mystery of M. Delcasse's resignation is still unrevealed. A QUESTION_FOR THE HOUSE . "WE MUST HAVE MORE MEN." ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) (Rec. October 1-1, 5.5 p.m.) London, October 13. The "Westminster Gazette," hitherto a stout upholder of voluntaryism, says: "If we undertake this new expedition we must provido men additional to .those relied on to keep the existing lines up to strength. The House of Commons must be prepared, whatever measures aro necessary, to obtain the nien." THE FINANCE BILL EXTRAVAGANCE IN STATE DEPARTMENTS

(Rec. October 15, 10.15 p.m.)

London, October 14. In tho House of Commons the Finance Bill passed its second reading. Mr. Montagu (Financial Secretary to the Treasury), replying to criticisms, said that the Government did not intend to raiso more by taxation than would pay interest, which 1 on the new debt would amount to 78i millions in March next. The Government had designedly raised the income tax abatement in respect of children from £20 in order to relieve a deserving class. Every citizen ought to be prepared to place tho last half of his incomo at the disposal of tho State, either by loan or by way of tax. The Government could only finance the war for ourselves and our Allies by every class severely stinting itself, yet the consumption of luxuries and alcohol had increased.

Mr. J. A. Bryce (Liberal) declared 1 that the Government was tho worst offender. There had been immense oxtravaganco and wicked corruption in connection with the Government contracts. There had been no effort to check the expenditure in the great Departments.