DEFENCE EXPENDITURE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 287, 28 August 1920, Page 8

DEFENCE EXPENDITURE

INDICATIONS OF POLICY

OUR DEBT TO THE ADMIRALTY

, . The House -went into Committee on the Estimates within a few minutes of meeting yesterday, Tlicro was only one question without notice, and no other formal business./

Tho big business of the day was the consideration of tho Defence Estimates. A number of members spoke their opinions about tho desirability of reducing Dofonce exp&iidituro. Tho Minister of Defence took the opportunity, to disclose 6omo more of the general idea of the-futur« Defence policy of the Government. The only question raised in the debate was tjiat of economy. Mr. Holland moved to Tedu.ce tho vote by .£1 as an indication that tine House desired economy In Defence expenditure. > The House did desire economy, but did not desire to follow. Mr. Holland or to endorse his reasons for desiring economy. The amendment was defeated, by .43 votes to, 9. 'Tho Defence Estimates were passed at 11.40 p.m. '

V, The Committee proceeded then to consideration of the Customs vote, and the ;Chnirman had to stop members quite often' when they opened discussion of questions of tariff revision, these being questions of policy. Mr. Wilford moved io reduce tlve vote by .£IO,OOO as an indication that tho taxation on large estates end death 'duties ought to be increased. Tho amendment w(is defeated by 31 votes' to 10, the amendment being supported by the Labour members.