BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1711, 30 March 1906, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

By telegraph, Press Acs'n, Copyright

London, Marob 28.

Tho Sugar Convention was dobated in the Houbb of Commons. The Government dcoiinod at present to consider tbe policy of withdrawing from tho Convention, on tbo grounds that there were still two and a half years to run. Mr L’oyd Georgo insisted tbut tbo Convention did not benefit the Wrsi Indiep, while the fluctuations in tho price of sugar had been considerable. Mr Chamberlain said that still the oountry bad not lost a penny through tho Convention, while Iho sugar colonies bad derived advantage from it. Received 10.59 p m , March 29.

London, Marob 29. Mr Walton, continuing, said his scheme was largely based on. the Commission report. It was partly the scheme submitted to the New South Wales Parliament in 1904. If trade unions were placed in a position of immunity other bodies would ask the same privilege. Ho warned the House of the danger of removing from unions, and particularly agents, a sense of responsibility, self restraint, and regard for the rights and feelings of others. Government had created a wire entanglement—(ironical laughter) —believing it would prevent unfair raiding of trade union funds. The views of those asking immunity would receive most friendly consideration, and the decision left to the House.

Mr Shackleton said the Cabinet had been more honest in rendering trade union funds immune. The mandate of the electors favored that course. Mr Hudson’s Bill raising that issue would be agaiu before the House tomorrow, and if read a second time ought to be embodied in the present Bill. Under the Government’s Bill trade union officials could do all acts whereof employers complain, yet the executive might evade responsibility by repudiating them. Labor preferred to say that unions were not prepared to take responsibility for such acts ct all, and declined to seek immunity by false pretences.