BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 November 1929, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

IN THE COMMONS

[United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.J

(Received this day at 1.5 p.m.) LONDON, 'Nov. 6.

In the Commons, Mr MacDonald told mV Kinglent’s Wood that the Government was unable to depart from its predecessor’s decision to with-hold correspondence until the Dominions concerning preference and kindred mutters. There could not be a free expression of views if there was a possibility of the correspondence eventually being published, Mr Shaw told a questioner that there would be approximately 630 members of the Navy and Army at the cenotaph service on Nov. 11th. which is 350 below last year’s total. Mr Baldwin following Mr MacDoiv aid on behalf of the Conservatives, felicitated the Prime Minister, who through his visit acted as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, not as a party leader, for which the country owed him a debt of gratitude, (Cheers). Three years ago he broached with the American Ambassador the subject of a British Prime Minister visiting the Uni.ted States. Both then felt it would not lie opportune for some time. He desired to admit Mr MacDonald had taken the. first possible moment to make tne visit. > '

Mr Lloyd George said he wished Mr MacDonald had told tliem more of the concrete results of the committments. Was there an AngloAmerican understanding regarding cruisers, submarines, size of guns and what is known as the freedom of- the seas.

lie was continuing to put other questions, when Labour members shouted. “It is the wrong time. ’

Mr Lloyd George: “I do not think 1 said anything to provoke Labourites. I have been studiously conciliatory, lam entitled to ask those questions.” Had Mr MacDonald discussed in America the general disarmaments question and debts which were the most important to Britain. He asked was there any intention to give Britain the most favoured nation treatment in respect to debts. Mr Gretten—Did Mr MacDonald intend to make a .statement before the Conference or publish the report of the Committee of Inquiry into the naval position in the Empire? Commander Kenworthy stated Mr Lloyd George’s questions were miscMevious. The. whole success of the F ive Power Conference would be jeopardised if Mr MacDonald went into details.

Mr MacDonald, replying regarding the rights of belligerents, said no promise bad been made beyond the promise to consider the matter. He had not raised the question of American support for general disarmament. It would be the time to do this after the Five Power Conference. lie had not discussed the debts.