THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1922, Page 3

THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

BRITISH POLITICS, LONDON, July 31. In the debate, Mr Norman led the rebellious Coalition Liberals in their 1 attack on the duty. Ho moved an 1 nmeudnveiit excluding fabric gloves Irani ill - order, on the ground that the motion struck a blow at fiscal prim iples which are vital to the whole country’s /prosperity. Germany, he pointed out, could not pay the reparations without foreign trade. She must sell her own 'specialist manulactures, whether tney competed wim British or any other goods. Mr Asquith, in full-blooded defence of free trade principles, described the Government’s various anti-dumping orders as “an insignificant litter of mice.” They were costly, obstructive, and disastrous .interferences with the freedom of trade. Mr Bonnr Law supported the motion. lie said oe would remind Mr Asquith o. the Paris economic resolutions, which Mr Asquith had. at that time, defended on the ground that the conntijy must be protected ugajinst dumping and unfair competition. That was all this order intended. He believed Mr Asquith had come to regard free trade as a religion, and at a question of taiili and morals. Mr Bonar Law also asserted that the anti-dumping orders on individual articles did not involve the whole issue of free trade against protection. LONDON, Aug. 1. Tn the House of Commons, nt 11.30 p m . Mr Baldwin unexpectedly moved the closure, which was carried by 307 to 78. Mr Norman’s amendment was defeated bv 277 to 113. Tn the divisions, a number of the Coalitionist Liberals and Onsdrvntives, including Lord Robert Cecil nnd Lord Eustace Percy, voted against the Government. After the glove s debate, the House debated other clauses, several amendments being moved, but the guillotine was applied twice, the Government maintaining' substantial majorities. Then the Labourites supported an amendment against duty pioposed on domestic glassware. Mr Mitchell Thomson twitted them with adopting an attitude injurious to an important British industry. After the closure, which was vigorously opposed, the order was finally voted by 152 to 47.