BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1929, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

IN THE COMMONS. (British Official Wireless.) ! (Received this day at 11 a.m.) i RUGBY, July 18. The Homo Secretary (Mr J. C. dynes) replying in the Commons to questions respecting the terms of request of Trotsky, when ho asked to bo permitted to laud in this country, said Trotsky /based his application on his desire to undergo medical treatment to follow scientific studies and super intend the publication of his autobiography. Assurances were offered on his behalf that if admitted he would not interfere with the domestic affairs of this country or take part in any public meetings or seek to make himself prominent in any way. No communication on the subject of his application had been roceicd from the Soviet Government.

The decision of the British Government to refuse facilities for the visit was taken after the fullest consideration of all circumstances. It could be justified without impugning in any way on the good faith of those who offered assurances on Trotsky’s ibehalf. In the Government’s view, if Trotsky were to come here persons of mischievious intentions would unquestionably seek to exploit ’his presence for their own ends, and if in consequence lie became a source of grave embarrassment vhe Government would have no certainty of being able to secure his departure The Education Minister (Sir 0. V. Trevelyan) announced the Government had carefully considered the most suitable date for the raising of the school leaving age of children to 15. After weighing all circumstances they had decided to prepared the necessary legislation to raise the school age as from April Ist, 1931. He war 'at once asking representative local education authorities and professional bodies to meet him with a view io consultation and co-operation. T. P. O’CONNOR. A PRESENTATION MADE. LONDON, July 18. Mr T. P. O’Connor, Father of the House of Commons, was the recipient this,- afternoon of deeds of annuity of capital valued at £IO,OOO, which have been subscribed by his friends and colleagues in both Houses. Tne ceremony, which took place, on the Terrace of the Houses of Parliament, was presided over by the Prime Minister, who made the presentation, and the sneakers included Mr Stanley Baldwin, Mr Lloyd George and Lord Birkenhead. By a clause in the Trust, the capital will, upon O’Connor’s death, be used to found a scholarship. t Mr O’Connor, who has been a member of the Commons since 1885, is 81 years old. He is still engaged in journalistic work.