British Politics

Evening Star, Issue 19792, 16 February 1928, Page 2

British Politics

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, February 14. In the House of Commons, Sir William Joynson-Hicks, in answer to a question, said that the executions in Britain m 1918 totalled IU, in 1919 19, in 1920 23, in 1921 5, in 1922, 22, in 1923 14, and in 1924 9. Mr E. A. Harney, in moving the Liberal amendment “regretting that the Speech does not include an indication that the Government appreciated the hardships of social and industrial life, or contemplate amelioration by measures for the development of national resources, provision of work for the unemployed, or a solution of the slum problem,” described* the Government’s policy as one of “trust in God and do nothing.” Everything else could wait, but the young women must have a vote. The Government, instead of spending money to relievo unemployment, had gone to the opposite extreme. Mr Churchill last year raided the- road fund to the extent of £20,000,000, which would have given steady occupation to 130,000 men for a year. The poor law system was breaking down in the black areas. Unemployment ought to be made a national burden. Mr Lloyd George accused Mr Baldwin of not facing facts about the trade situation, and not even mentioning agriculture. If Britain’s export trade had made the same progress since the war as it did from T9OO to 1913 the present export quantities would be 130 per cent, of the 1913 figures, but they were actually only 80 per cent. Bcioro the war Britain advanced from £200,000,000 to £300,000,000 yearly to the dominions, colonics, and foreign countries, which came back in the shape ol purchases of goods. The United States was now making the loans and taking a corresponding share _of the orders. The situation was not irreparable. The first need was a sort of economic general staff to investigate trade problems as a whole, and industry must be partially relieved from the crippling burden of rates. Agricultural production must bo increased, - because foodstuffs that could be produced at Homo were now ono of Britain’s largest import items. Mr Churchill characterised Mr Lloyd George’s speech as the marshalling of admitted disquieting facts, then recommending as a remedy the Liberal Party’s recent ‘ Yellow Book ’ on industry. Tho Government throughout its existence had contributed to the relief of local burdens to an extent never hitherto witnessed. Moreover, under the heads of old age and widows and orphans’ pensions, education and health services, and housing, it had provided £17,000,000 yearly, which was not provided when it took office. Regarding the relief of rates everything depended upon the state of the finances at Budget time. The Government had a series of legislative and administrative propositions prepared, but believed it would be better to wait to operate them till they could be used as a lover, and not as a sop. The amendment was defeated by 310 to 140, and the Address in Reply was adopted. A FLOOD OF QUESTIONS. LONDON, February 14. Mr Winston Churchill told a questioner that up to March 31 tho excess profits on duty collections would amount to £1,195,000, not counting £245,000,000 refunded. Mr LockemLampson, in answer to a question, said that the Government was not aware that Spain had applied for re-entry to the League of Nations. It would warmly welcome Spain’s resumption of co-operation in the League’s work. Lieutenant-colonel Headlam, m answer to a question, gave tho following remarkable figures relating to last year’s recruitments: —Navy Royal Marines—candidates 53,915, accepted candidates only 5.055, awaiting decision 394. The rejections were due to physical, medical, and educational unfitness. Sir Samuel Hoarc stated that the candidates for tho Air Force totalled 8,356, of whom 2,453 were accepted. The rejections were due to educational unfitness, deformities of the feet, poor physique, and diseases of the ears, heart, vision, and lungs. Asked whether ho approved or repudiated the speech in which Viscount Wolmer, tho Assistant PostmasterGeneral, characterised the postal system as pur© Socialism, and suggested that it would be more efficient and economical if run by private enterprise, Mr Baldwin replied cryptically that “ when Viscount Wolmer has attained the years of discretion ho will probably speak with that caution which characterises every one of our utterances.” (Laughter.) Comment in the lobby was divided on the question whether the reply was a snub or a piece of humor, and there was speculation regarding the prospects of Viscount Wolmer’s resignation when it was disclosed that he is starting immediately on a long sea voyage on medical advice.

■' - 1 Address In Reply Adopted Cotton Industry Crisis Wage Reduction May Cause Stoppage