HOUSE OF COMMONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1927, Page 3

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.)

BRITISH POLITICS. LONDON, Nov. 8. In the Commons, replying to questions whether it was the policy of the Government to take steps regarding a barrage of the Nile Sir A. Chamberlain said: “We made proposals to the Aliyssian.ian Government to this end anil these at present are the subject of negotiations.” NAVAL OUTPUT. (Received this day at 11.0 a.m.) LONDON. Nov. 9. Replying to questions in the Commons, Mr W. C. Bridgeman stated the following were being constructed : One battleship, twelve cruisers, four river gunboats, six submarines, two mine sweepers, one submarine depot ship, one repair boat. The following were completed during the past year:—One battleship, two destroyers, one mine-layer, one submarine. LONDON, Nov. 9. Mr Mitchell Thompson announced to fitli November wireless telephone calls to America anil vice versa totalled 83° and 991 respectively, producing a revenue of £27,000.

Sir A. Steel-Maitland moved the second reading of the Unemployment Insurance Bill, aiming at remodelling the whole system on tho lines of the Blnnesburgh Commission’s recommendations. Ho explained at present there was a dual scheme. 'Hie standard benefit was given as a matter of statutory right. It also extended tho benefit to bo given in respect to what unemployed workers bad contributed in future. The bill provided a unified scheme giving statutory right benefits only and abolishing extended benefit. Te word dole, if it ever was. will no longer he applicable. Unemployed must have paid tlirit.v contributions within the previous two years, and must be genuinely seeking work. Mr Haydn y moved Labour’s amendment rejecting the hill, on the ground it would only increase the cost of i-elief, cut rates and reduce the already inadequate unemployment benefit. Police Courts showed when youths lost employment they resorted to vicious practices. It could ho even worse for young women. Afr Campbell Stephen stated ihc Bill said to the unemployed “Co to the Guardians; if they cannot do anything you can go to hell.” The newspapers advertised fur coats at six hundred guineas each for some women, but unemployed young women wore to receive only Ss weekly.