BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 11 May 1928, Page 2

BRITISH PARLIAMENT

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

IN THE '"COMMONS. LONDON, May 9

In the Commons Sir Joynson Hicks said Prince Carol came to Britain under the ordinary regulations governing tlio admission and residence <of aliens.

Goodman Roberts called attention to the fact rtiat a letter appeared in the press by Bernard Sliaw dealing with the Browne-Kemiedy murder case. The letter alleged false evidence had been invited by offers, of a reward in an. event of the conviction of the prisoners.

Hir Joynson Hicks said lie could not comment on part of the letter because an appeal was pending. IliG offer of reward was made !>V a newspaper. .It was not tbe practice of the Government or police to offer rewards for the detection of the crime. Johnston asked whether appeals could fairly he hoard if accused*. police and other records were published while [lending. Sir ijoyitson /Hicksi" quid appeals never went to the jury hut panel High Court judges, who were not likely to be the least- influenced by what was published in newspapers. A. ..Hopkinson asked: “Who is this Air Bernard Shaw?’’ (Laughter and cheers).

Sir Joynson Hicks: “I understand he is a writer.” (Renewed laughter). Astbury. introduced a hill to extend parishioners rights in respect of the presentation of church beneficial fes. He quoted disturbances at Darwen because an Anglo-Catholic had been forced upon an unwilling congregation. The Bill gave parochial councils power to verb if. -they disapproved an appointment. Birehall opposed the Bill and said the Church Assembly was the right body to deal with the matter. The Bill was read for the first time.

LONG TER AI CREDITS. LONDON, A lay 9. Tn the House of Commons, Air A. Alexander (Labour, Sheffield) moved the rejection at the second reading of the Agricultural Credits Bill. He raised objection to the proposed granting of a. subsidy from the taxpayers without any adequate information as to the economic position of agriculturists. It would lie more effective, he said, to stimulate the formation of co-onerati-e- credit societies under iState supervision.

Rt. Hon AY. Ruiiciinan (Liberal, Swansea) said that the Government ought to be represented on the corporation, proposing tlio subsidies.

Rt. Hon. A\ r . Guinness (Minister of Agriculture), who moved the adoption of the : Bill, said that the British banking system was in many ways a model to the world, but it had undoubtedly neglected agriculture. The Governments of France, of Germany, of the Scandiumviau countries, of the United-States. and of the various Dominions, had all taken special action' 1 to provide credit facilities for agriculture. None of these systems, lie said, was entirely applicable to Britain's special needs. The Government. in addition to underwriting, was taking the power to invest one million and a half sterling in debentures for these credits, and also to contribute £IO.OOO yearly for ten years towards the administrative charges. It did not pretend that agricultural credits were a remedy Tor this agricultural depression, hut it filled a permanent need, enabling the farmer to mobilise his stock-in-trade, and to secure much-needed working capital. The Attorney-General promised that the Government would consider the possibility of being .rop-Osentcd upon the governing body of the corporation. This Rill did not attempt to restore capital lost .in agriculture. It was an attempto keep alive those who were alive. Long term credits were a grant advantage, because they were free from ha trussing alteration of mortgagees.

The amendment was deflate 1 by 233 votes to 10G, and llw Bill was read the second time.