THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1920, Page 2

THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

k ßy Electric Telegraph—CouyrigMv.

THE KING’S SPEECH

LONDON, February 10. Yesterday Parliament was opened. Tlie Kings speech, after making an allusion to the peace ratifications, emphasised that excellent relations were existing with all Allies. It urged the necessity of a restoration not only of peace, but also of normal economic conditions in Eastern Europe and Russia.

Referring to the Prince of V ales’ visit to the Dominions the Iking announced liis assent to a proposal that the Prince of Wales would take the opportunity on the return voyage of seeing some of the West Indian possessions. “He will, I feel confident,” said the King receive a cordial welcome everywhere, both from old comrades in arms and all classes of the community.”

Referring to the economic situation, His Majesty stressed the fact that, if lasting progress and social peace were to be ensured, all classes must continue to throw themselves into the work of reconstruction with goodwill for others, and with energy and patience.

The King .said that the adverse exchange was making the financial burden of Britain very great.

He added that uneasiness was also caused by the unprecedented sale of landed property since the war. Measures were accordingly proposed to mitigate any hardship which this operation might cause the occupiers, and to stimulate production of essential foodstuffs within the United Kingdom.

■ Legislation providing large and farreaching measures of reform must be passed. His Majesty proceed to outline proposed legislation, including a Bill dealing with the Government of Ireland. There were Bills dealing with Ir_ ish education, and coal industries forecasted, There is a proposal for State acquisition of coal royalties for the purpose of improving the conditions in mining areas, Other Bills proposed are for the regulation of the sale of liquor, develop-

ment of fisheries; organisation of territories ; ■unemployment insurance, regulation of the hours of labour; minimum wages and antidumping. The speech also alludes to reform of the House of Lords. Dealing with Agriculture the speech states that • the United Kingdom is still dangerously dependent for food supplies from overseas.

LLOYD GEORGE SPEAKS

LONDON, February 1 11

Mr Lloyd George, speaking in the House of Commons, following Sir D. Mac-Lean (Liberal) indicated that he would deal with several of tlie important subjects at a. later stage. Referring to the housing problem, and the Government’s slowness, he asserted the chief difficulty'at- present was due to a refusal by trade unions

to. suspend their union regulations. There were 350,000 demobilised soldiers who were anxious, and lie said, sufficiently skilled to provide labour for building. He added: “That'is a question for the Labour Party. Mr Lloyd George made some reference to Ireland. He said lie would challenge Mr Adamson (Leader of the Labour Party) regarding the latter’s advocacy of self-determination foi; Ireland to say if he was prepared to grant Ireland a republic if the Irish people demand it. He said that otherwise, the proposal made for self-determina-tion was dishonest. He said lie questioned whether Ulster ought to be compelled to -come' under a Parliament for the whole of Ireland. He asserted there there liad been cowardly and despicable murders and assassinations. He asked were tlie Cabinet to withdraw their troops from Ireland and all protection, and leave assassins in charge.

Hon. TJloyd George added—The real explanation of dear living was that it was not due to profiteering, but to the devaluation of money. This existed the world over. We are now paying over six shillings in the pound in America for all purchases. The only remedy was increased production. In reference to economy he was glad to say the forthcoming budget would more than balance. The only British forces remaining in Russia were at Batoum, from which they were rapidly withdrawing to Constantinople, where they were needed. He agreed that Europe could not be restored without putting Russian resources into circulation. Every democracy in the world would like to see that done under any hut Bolshevik regime, whose horrors had shocked mankind.

Hon. iLloyd George added that Russia must be restored under an antiBokshevik regime, but it was perfectly clear Bolshevism was not orushnblg. by force of arms. The warring factors in Russia declared they recognised that when so advised last year. The volunteer army during the occupation of large tracts ill South Russia, unquestionably managed to alienate the populations and the Bolsheviks during their readvance profited by past experience and avoided doing so to the same extent. He dwelt on the difficulties of the attempt to create a reign of lire which should advance and crush out Bolshevism, owing to the unlikelihood of all border states participating. There was an additional difficulty in the lack of funds wlsL.li neither France, America, Italy or Britain would to furnish.