BRITISH POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 April 1926, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS

DISCUSSIONS IN COMMONS. a [Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, April 21. ' In the Commons, Mr Dixey (Censervntivo for Penrith) sought leave to introduce a bill legalising betting and j the registering of all bookmakers in f the interests of cleaner conditions ol racing. After the. briefest of discussions leave was refused, amidst cheois, by 126 votes to 90. . In committee on the Army Air t'orco Hill, Mr Thurtle (Labour for Shoreditch) moved an official labour amendment abolishing the death penalty for cowardice and deserting. He said such a penalty could not he defended as a military necessity, because Australian r troops were not subject to it. Captain King replying, said the death penalty was not always imposed. Personally lie believed every man in a great war knew fear. The only deference was the extent. Pear was controlled and the existence ol the death penalty was a deterrent. All great war powers retained it. The War Office thought this power was necessary. The amendment was negatived by 269 to 123. SOVIET ATTITUDE. LONDON, April 21. _ In the Commons in reply to a question 'Sir A. Chamberlain said notwithstanding Russia’s declining the terms which were not very courteous to the league of Nations dr favourable to its L objects, to attend a preparatory disarnuimentf conference, if held in Swit/.erit would meet at Geneva on June Strong efforts to settle the difference had failed and impossible for the League to the seat from Switzerland at of any Power which liap-;V:!.-/.-''®kifmporarily to have a diplomatic with the Swiss Govern-