BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 March 1924, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

[ Reuters Telecrams.] AERIAL DEFENCE. BRITISH PLANS. LONDON, .March 12 In introducing the Air Estimates in the House of Commons, ' Air Leach , Under-Secretary for the Air Department) said the negotiations were proceeding for the purchase of six new aerodromes, I.a-t year the iixing hours of the torce had been increased by fifty per cent. There was a logger ratio of increase overseas. The accidents ratio was tailing steadily throughout the force. lie said the British orders for aircraft this year would total C 1.-.i00.000. A new type of machine for co-operat-ing with the navy was being developed. Britain was now experimenting on ihe largest scale with constructing aeroplanes in metal, which should greatly lessen the deterioration. A scheme for a subsidy of t 1,000,000. spread over ten years, lias been faithfully carried out to promote an Imperial Air Transport Company. The Burney airship scheme, I lie Government felt, needed more examination. A full opportunity would he given Commander Burney to place his views before the Cabinet Committee now considering this question. Therefore they did not fool justified in asking for any money this year for airships. He emphasised that air disarmament was necessary, and said it must ho mutual. He declared Ihe Government's policy was one ol goodwill.

General lloare (ex-Air Alinister), Viscount Cmv'.oii. and Air Austen Chamberlain expressed regret that there was no money for Burney’s airship scheme. General lloare said there was no cheaper way of getting six gigantic airships into the air service in India than Burney’s scheme. Lord Cuizon said these airships would he necessary for the Navy in war time, and would lie vital from the

viewpoint ol commerce. Air Denny moved a resolution urging the need for adequate protection against the strongest force within striking distance ol Britain. General Seely suggested that the I’remier invite the Dominions and India to form an Imperial Board of Aviation Research. In reply Air Leach suggested the withdrawal of the motion. It looked, he remarked, like an anti-French declaration. Cries of “No.” Air Leach denied that the bombing in Saar was done lor the collection of taxes. The Conservative motion was defeated by a majority of 7-1 votes, 2(59 voting against it and 195 for. BRITISH LEGISLATION. LONDON, .March 13 The House of Lords ims read the second time the Divorce Bill ol Lord Buekmaster, by 88 to 55, despite a rally of Anglican Chill-ell forces against the measure. The Bill extends the grounds on which divorces may he granted to include desertion for three years, insanity, imprisonment for life, enmity, and habitual drunkenness. The House was c rowded for the dehate, which was unusually animated. Lord Buekmaster made a very moving speech.

Lord Daryntoii, President of the Church Army,, moved that the Bill be rejected. He based his opposition to the liberal interpretation of the Scriptures. This Bill, ho said, "its contrary to the teaching of Christ. The Primate was against the Bill, lie emphasised that eases of hardship are not typical eases. There was no evidence, he declared, that the mass of the people wanted ihe grounds lor divorce extended. Lord Haldane (Lin'd Chancellor) said Im thought such a change as this could only he made if public opinion were behind it. lie personally supported the Bill. Tho Government, he said, were leaving it to Parliament to decide the mutter.