SCOTTISH HOME RULE.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1924, Page 1

SCOTTISH HOME RULE.

UPROAR IN COMMONS. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, May 9. A scene and an uproar occurred in the House of Commons in consequence of the Speaker allowing tho Home Rule for Scotland Bill to bo talked out. The Bill provides for the establishment in Scotland of a singio chamber Par-.ament of 113 members, Scotland also continuing licr present representation in the House of Commons until a general devolution scheme is instituted in tho United Kingdom.

Mr Buchanan, a Labourite, in moving the second reading of the Bill, claimed that the Scottish people almost unanimously favoured the scliemo in order to relieve the present congestion in the House of Commons.

Mr Tom Johnson seconded the motion.

Mr Baird moved for a reduction of the number of Scotsmen holding Ministerial office. Finally ho endeavoured to move the closure; but the Speaker declined this, whereupon pandemonium arose in the Labour benches.

Mr Kirkwood (Glasgow) and others angrily shouted, contesting the fairness of the Speaker's decision, and saying that it was the first private Bill this session, which had the closure refused it.

Mr Adamson said that the Government approved of the general principles of the Bill, and he hoped that it would lie read a second time by. an overwhelming majority. The Government was prepared, lie said, to appoint a committee, and report to the House, because a vital issue was concerned, casually important to the English and Welsh people also. The Speaker admitted that he Jind earlier intended to accept the closure, but lie justified his action by referring to an incident in tbe debate, when the Labourites and Liberals objected to members on the Opposition bench being called on to speak, on the ground that two Opposition front benchers had previously spoken. Fresh pandemonium now ensued. Mr Kirkwood was particularly furious. He Hung his arms nbout, and shouted an attack on the Speaker. A Liberal, Air Hodge, for endeavouring to continue the discussion in defiance of the Speaker’s ruling, "as threatened with suspension.

The Speaker finally declared tlie House adjourned.