BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 April 1927, Page 2

BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.]

LONDON, April 11. Air Churchill's personal magnetism carried him through with a minimum ot interruption. In fact, he disarmed anv ho.xtiliiv by saving: “ AVe are met to-day under the shadow ot last year's disaster, it is hut the time to bewail the past, it is the time to pay the In'll. Uis not for me to apportion Uic | blame. Aly task is to apportion me burden. I do not- assume the role of impartial judge. I am merely a public executioner." < Laughter.A It was characteristic ot Mr Church ill’s incongruity that, as a contrast to t shilling silk lmt, frock coat and long cigarette, as lie walked along Downing Street, he carried the budget panels in a worn, shabby, red despatch box, probably file oldest the chancellory possesses.

BUDGET COALMEN’!’. LONDON. April U

Discussing the Budget in the House of Commons. Air Philip Snowden said Unit Al'r Churchill had. laced difficulties which would de-pair most men. hut Air Churchill was not like most men. Those who expected him to come to the House ill humility and penitence did not know the Chancellor. He was not that sort. (Daughter). He gloried in big things. If he could not have a big surplus ho must have a big deficit. Air Snowdon congratulated Mr Churchill on the courage and audacity with which lie faced the situation, and also complimented him on his physical feat, at the same time reserving his criticism.

Air Lloyd George said that, in seconding the vote of thanks to AD' Churchill which Air Snowden had moved. he did so with a feeling of gratitude for two hours of brilliant entertainment. Afr Churchill was the mot-l-iest tax collector since Robin Hood. His Budget was extraordinarily ingenious and audacious.

Afr Alosley (Labour) said that the ct-al strike, which the Chancellor blamed for his deficit, was primarily due to the Chancellor reverting to the gold standard.

The Budget resolutions were then agreed to, and the debate was adjourn-

Tifie Times, ill a leading article, describes the Budget as “ingenious.’’ It declares: —“No Chancellor lias ever been confronted by such a position. The main expedients on which Air Churchill relics do credit to his skill in discovering sources of revenue without increasing the duties on necessary articles of consumption. The disappearance of the Overseas Trade Department is unfortunate. ’ Ihe papci hopes this Department will yet he retrievable. Air Churchill’s courage in .strengthening the great mainstay <d the entire financial and com mere d system. it says, will do much to support Britain's high economic position in the world, upon whiih her future prosperity depends.

1 in: Budget t-ihaceo duty increase is 8s 2d to 8-s lOd. The Budget has received little criticism from the morning papers. It is realised that, with the exception of small items, such as wines, tobacco, matches, it resolves itsoil into a raid upon the Bead Fund ami upon the revenue not normally payable until the following year. Even the Conservative Morning Post reminds Air Churchill that some of his expedients will not lie (available again. The commonest expressions of the editorials are that it is “clever or “trickery.” according to the \ie\\point. Bestaurnteur.s and wine merchants express the opinion the new duties will not affect the consumption of claret or burgundy. Sweet wine of a similar typo will he increased about sixpence per bottle. The Imperial Tobacco announce that the price and the quality of cigarettes will not he changed. Certain changes in the price of pipe tobacco will he unavoidable. LONDON. April 12. Typical Labour opinions are as follow:—Commander Kenworthy says—‘‘This is a thoroughly dishon’set Budget. it is i raid on Peter to avoid raiding Paul!” Mr Lansburv declared —“It is a very clever figure-juggling.” Miss Susan Lawrence says—“Tt is a pirate Budget.” Mr J. H. Thomas remarks—“Mr Churchill h*s scientifically robbed the people in a way commanding the admiration of everybody.” Air J. B. dynes says—“ This is Air Churchill's finest performance: it i. an effort to make the people believe that taxes can be raised without anybody feeling them.” Air Jack .Tones says—“ The increase in the tobacco duty will hit the working man.” LONDON. April 12. The Daily News points out that the abolished Ministeries involve staffs >as follows:—Transport Department 553. Alines Department 340. Overseas I fade Department 349.