BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1927, Page 2

BRITISH PARLIAMENT

[Australian & X.Z. Cable Association. j

COMMONS DEBATE

LONDON, Ecb. 13

The debate on the Address-in-Ueply was resumed in the House of 'Commons I,V Rt Hon Alt’ Clyues, who moved an amendment condemning tne pmposa,., of the fact i.i regal'd to the industrial

unions. , * While Mr Clyues was speaking, t. .o Prince of Wales ami Bn nee George entered and took their seats over the clock.

Alt Clyues said that the Government was attacking Trade Unionism without having any mandate to do so. lie pointed out that in the seven hyo-olec-tions since the general election, the total vote in favour of the Government’s candidature has been <3.olX> and that the vote against the Government has totalled 109,00,, It would, he said he better therefore, to leave the question to the judgment of the electorates.

Air Clyues maintained that the Trades Union officers had shown themselves as serviceable and as effective as any people on behalf of the industrial peace. The general strike, lie said. wa< not the re.-ult of anti-agitation, but was that due to the miners' lock-out. Since 11)21, lie said, trades unionism bad been consistently on Hie defensive. The Government have encouraged wage reductions. The Government did not discourage the aggressive action taken on the pari of the employers. There was no country in the world "here the industrial conditions were better than in England, or "here the disputes wore fought out with greater common

sense. Air Baldwin, the Premier, said that he was particularly anxious to have this discussion, in order to learn the views of the whole house. \\lr Ramsay A'.aeDonald said he considered that the Government should immediately reply to the debate in older that the House might he aware of his intentions. Il would, lie said, he had Parliamentary practice if the Government said no word ot reply till the end of the debate. Sir John Simon fßiboral) said that the Labourites would have to make tip fhoir minds as to whether or not they defended the general strike as an instrument for use in trade disputes. It they did not. a good deal could l>e said for leaving the whole thing alone. He proposed the Government legislation would not attack the heart of the industrial problem. This legislation resembled a Hague. C(-invention. It meant defining the rules of war. when what was wanted was to inculcate a spirit, that would prevent war. ' It would bo far better if the Trades Union Movement wore reformed from within. (Received this day at 3 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 13. Air Thomas taunted the Government that when in difficulties they always looked to Sir J. Simon to come to their rescue. It was absurd to talk about the danger of the Labour Party finance. Personally lie suggested that all parlies in the House should not only produce the balance sheets of party finals, but should state bow the money was produced. He advised the Government, not to go on with this measure, hut if they did. the Labour Party would substitute another at the first opportunity. Air llogg closed the debate by referring to the mass of picketing appointed. There had lieen' , six thousand conventions under the emergency regulations. Government were willing to consult, labour opinion in regard In trade union legislation, hut if the proposal for consultation was refused. Government would not hesitate to protect trade unions and the whole nation front injustice, Tyranny and abuse. Air dynes’ amendment was defeated by ill 3 to Iff A. The debate "as closed and (he Address to the Throne was agreed to.

TRADE IX Ern.OPF. LONDON. Feb. id. In the House of Commons. Air Locker Lninpson. for the Afinistry, replying to a question, said that no communication has passed between me Soviet Government and the British Foreign Office on the subject of China. .Major General Dawson (Conservative') : “AVliat is the date the last protest was made to the Soviet in connection with their action in China-'” Air Locker Fampsou : ‘'That ir.a’lv does not arise out of the question.” lie added that no communitißtion whatever had taken nlaoe in connection with the late AL Krassin's .successor. There has been no change in the Russian situation since Sir Austen Chant, herb in's statement thereon. Alajor General Dawson : ”Xo change ; Keen in view of what has happened in China f 1 ’’ Air Locker Lamp.son : T iLid not say Unit the official Soviet Dress provides ample evidence of hostile propaganda against Britain without the necessity of 1 lie Foreign Secretary producing further evidence.” MV Ramsay Afa -Donald : “Tf that is the rase, the Foreign Secretary had oeOision to cninnhiin. Has he done so r” Afr Looker T.ainpson : "Certainly, in interviews with the Soviet representative. The trade agreement has been broken over and over again.” Mr Samuel .staled that Britain b.ul sold Russia in 1025. nineteen millions worth of goods, and sold her 14* millions in 1920.