HOUSE OF COMMONS

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1927, Page 2

HOUSE OF COMMONS

(Australian & N.E. Cable Association

LABOUR’S POLITICAL FUNDS.

LONDON, May 28

In the House of Commons, Friday was devoted to discussing a provision in the Trades Union Bill for the enforcing of a separation of the Trades Unions and political funds. Several of the Labourites admitted that this provision is not likely to reduce the Unions’ political income.They said : ‘‘TV© shall simply tell the members the objects of our propaganda and they will increase, instead of reducing, their contributions.”

Nevertheless the Lalmurites strenuously opposed the clause as Air Tom Shaw explained ‘-because everyone knows it is all a political dodge, from cud to end,’■seeking to hamper tho trades unions’ political activities. The Tories have discovered one case of intimidation per million per year. and. on this flimsy evidence, they are shedding crocodile tears over “the poor oppressed people with the unions.”

Mr W. Mae Kinder asked : ‘‘What will happen when a Labour Government comes into power, and proposes to interfere with the Licensed Victuallers, the Primrose Leagues, or the Conservative and Liberal parties’ secret funds from the sale of honours ? The Labourites’ funds are the cleanest in the country. Wo shall believe those of the others are clean when we see their balance sheets, and not before.”

Sir D. Hogg, replying, said the clause did not introduce a new principle; it only sought to make the exemption of a minority effective.

The guillotine was applied and fho clause carried hv 228 to 103.