BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1930, 12 November 1906, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

TRADES DISPUTES BILL.

MR BALFOUR GIVES A SURPRISE,

PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT Received 4.39 p.m., November 11. London, Nov. 10.

In the House of Commons the Trades Disputes Bill was read a third time with, out division. The sorprise ef the sitting was Mr Balfour’s declaration that it was too late to change or reject the Bill, and that he was unwilling to imperil the benevolent funds. The Government might have dealt with tbo latter separately. After he had expressed his misgivings a 3 to the result the measure would have, though not in immediate future, Mr Bal> four emphasised tbe fact that the employers’ spokesmen in the House of Commons had do» expressed their dislike for the Bill. Unless they were foolishly and meanly silent, beoause they relied on its rejection by the House of Lords, they must be assured they did not think their interests were assailed. He trusted that Englishmen’s good sense in the past would again be shown in the moderate use of the exceptional powers conferred by tbe Bill. Several members have appealed to Mr Balfour to use bis influence to secure the passage of the Bill through tbe House of Lords. The Daily News declares that Mr Balfour gives the House of Lords the hint to swallow the Trades Disputes Bill oon« ditionally upon the Eduoation Bill being wreoked.

Reoeived 4.54 p.m,, November 11

The Daily Mail adviseß the House of Lords to pass the Trades Disputes Bill leaving the common people to learn wis« dom by bitter experience. Tbe Times says that the House of Lords will be absolutely justified in rejecting the Bill, but the majorities in the House of Commons and tne taotios pursued there, may lead ihem to take another oourse.

The-Morning Post blames the Union* iets for disregarding the reasonable demands of trades anions two years ago, resulting in the formulation of unprincipled proposals later.