HOUSE OF COMMONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 May 1923, Page 2

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N-Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. INDEMNITY BILL DEBATE. LONDON, May 30. In the House of Commons, a sharp debate arose on there being moved an amendment to the limiting of the operation of the Indemnity Bill in regard to the Government’s action in deporting people to Ireland. The amendment proposed to limit the indemnity to those officials who acted in good faith. Lord Cecil argued that the Bill would work better as it was worded. Its intention, lie said, was merely to indemnify Mr Bridgcman (Home Minister) and those acting under him. Debaters on both wings of the Liberal Party, led by Mr Asquith and M Lloyd George, declared that tho Bill extended beyond the deportation cases. It could, they said, he applied to each of tho 84 regulations issued under the Restoration of Order lit Ireland Act, and it would operate to cover the past, tho present, and the future.

Lord Cecil resented an interruption by Mr Asquith. He said Mr Asquith had not read the Bill, and did not know what he was talking about. Afterwards, however, Lord Cecil apologised. Mr McCurdy then moved to report progress, so as to give tbe Government an opportunity to consider tho point raised. Mr McCurdy said that it was not respectful to ask them to decide the matter in blinkers. The motion for an amendment was defeated. Lord Cecil eventually moved an amendment to confine the indemnity to the recent deportations. This was carried without division. Mr Hogg stated that out of 110 Irish deportees, 100 are instituting proceedings. The Attorney-General moved an additional clause to the Indemnity Bill re the Irish deportations, making provision fur compensation being paid to tho deported posons, which amendment was agreed to without discussion.