BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1924, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS.

LATEST CABLE NEWS

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GOVERNMENT DEFEAT

LONDON, June 21

The Government sustained another i lei eat in a divisnn in the House of Commons, hy a vote of Bio to 175, in consequence of an Opposition-!.iheral combination in favour of a motion to refer the Housing Financial Provisions Bill to a committee of the whole House instead of a special committee, as the Government sought to impose. The defeat, however, is only one on procedure, and not on piincple, and no political significance was thereforeattached to it, and the other business was proceeded with. Prior to this incident, the Hill which embodies the financial resolutions had already passed its second reading. after an Opposition motion for its rejection had hoen defeated hy till!) to 20.1. The Opposition aigued that it was an unsound hill in theory and ] ractice, and its finance was thoroughly had. The Liberals also expressed some discontent, and it was the Hiheral. Mr Mnxtermnn’s motion which ultimately resulted in the Government's discomfit, lire.

XKW HEBRIDES CO NTH Of,. QUESTION IN COMMON'S. LONDON, June 21. A question hy Mr Chappell in (he Commons yesterday regardin'; the New Hebrides was prompted by report*, from Australia, of a Presbyterian -Missionary’s allegations of unsatisfactory conditions in the Islands. Mr Chappell stated to-day that lie has so far received no satisfaction hut will continue to ask questions if the authorities remain nnalive to the necessity of rectifying the conditions out there. He will keep up the limitation until they do. It is a trilling matter for France, said Mr Chappell, hut it is vitally important for the natives.

AN IMPORTANT MATTETI. (Received this day al 1.0 p.m.) LONDON. June 21. In the Commons, replying to a question whether Mr -MacDonald was aide to state the policy of the Government regarding the optional clause upon compulsory arbitration in the protocol of the permanent Court of International Justice, Mr Clynes said the decision of the Government on this important matter might have a far reaching consequence. Time must be allowed for consideration. It was also necessary to consult the Dominions.