BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1927, Page 2

BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

UPROAR IN COMMONS

FOUR MEMBERS SUSPENDED

v Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.)

LONDON, Nov. 24

In tiie Commons, the committee dealing with the Insurance Bill resumed discussion. There were numerous Labour amendments to the third clause.

Just before eleven Sir Steel Maitland proposed the closure, causing Mr Wheatley and Mr Kirkwood to jump to their feet shouting “ No.”

Mr Maxtoii. donning a borrowed Triby hat, asked the Chairman of Committees if the amendments handed in manuscript would not he debated. .Mr J ,T. 11 ope answered “ Yes.” Mr Maxton: “ Then it is damned unfair.”

The closure was then carried by 230 to 115.

When the sitting was resumed, Mr Hope recalled Mr Maxton’s expression, and asked for a withdrawal. Mr Maxton refused, saying: “Mr Hope’s answer was offensive to myself, and degrading to this House.” When Mr Hope rose again, he was greeted with cries of “Sit down,” Mr Kirkwood crying. “ You won’t he heard to-night. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.”

Mr Hope then sent for the Speaker, who immediately named Mr Maxton, despite -Mr Ramsay MacDonald’s protests that it is impossible for him /the Speaker) to he in possession of what had taken place. The Speaker: “My duty is clear. I am hound to put the motion without amendment or debate.”

On Mr Baldwin’s motion, Mr Maxton’s suspension was carried by 2(>2 to 131.

When Mr Hope resumed the chair. Labourites again started to shoute ‘‘Sit down.”

Mr Tom Slmw moved to report progress on the ground that Labour indignation would prevent a reasonable discussion.

Mr Buchanan, supporting, said tho Chairman’s ruling was both contemptible and unmanly, whereupon the Speaker was recalled and named Mr Buchanan, alter a rowdy scene ,m which Labourites attempted to shout down Mr Hope, rising from their seats and shaking their fists and gesticulating wildly.

Mr Wallhead shouted, “It’s a damned outrage.”

Miss Wilkinson cried: “You coward Mr Hope,” several Labourites echoing

“ Coward! ” “ Coward! ” When Mr Baldwin moved that Mr Buchanan he suspended, the motion was greeted with c ries, “ You will have to send us all out to-night.” '[’lie motion was carried by 2,5 I IOG.

Mr Buchanan walked out even before tho figures were called.

Mr Wallhead, evidently anxious to join his colleagues, shouted: “ Damned outrage,” hut the Speaker disregarded him. As no attention was paid, Mr Wallhead jumped to his feet, shouting at Mr Hope “ You damned cad.” Mr Hope, however, remained seated, not taking any notice until derisive Conservative laughter caused Mr Wallhead to sit down.

A motion to report progress was defeated hv 257 to 144.

Mr Wallhead meanwhile had recovered his spirits and accused Mr Hope of giving a ruling when the Speaker was in the House, adding: “ Your ruling is a damned disgrace.” The rest of the sentence was dropped in disorder.

Mr Hope asked: “Does the member persist in that expression?” Mr Wallhead: “Yes, ] do.” The Speaker was recalled, and his suspension was carried by 272 to 97. Mr Sullivan then rose to raise a point of order: “Mr Hope that you are damned unfair.”

But before anything definitely happened, Air Xeil Arc Lean noisily intervened and refused to sit down until ho was named and suspended.

Air Hope automatically vacated his chair. Air Fitzrov replacing him. On Aliss Ellen Wilkinson rising to move an amendment, some Labourites and Conservatives left the Chamber, and after that tempers were calmed, and many amendments were wiped ofi' by the rapidly thinning House. HOAIE, WOOL INDUSTRY. LONDON, Xov. 23.

Tn the House of Commons, Air Betterton stated the Ministry of Labour wan keeping in touch with the wool trade dispute, which involves a quarter of a million workers. He still trusted the parties would find an amicable agreement. He said the national agreement had terminated. Xo notice to terminate work or to change the rates of pay had yet been given. A stoppage was impossible prior to December 2nd.

Afr Alack indor: Will you send the chief official to Bradford immediately? Afr Betterton: T fully realise the difficulties, and am anxious to say nothing that might increase them.

Mr .Tames Hudson : Has the Alitiistcr tried to bring about a resumption of negotiations?

Afr Betterton : Neither side has approached the Department.