RAISING SCHOOL AGE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 November 1930, Page 3

RAISING SCHOOL AGE

BRITISH LABOUR’S BILL

SCENE DURING DEBATE

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copy right. J

I/IN DON, November 11

A scene ocurred in the House of Commons during the . debate on the Government’s School Age Bill, which aims to raise the age-.. ;The scene resulted in the , suspension of Air McGovern, the Labour member. Sir C. Trevelyan (Minister of Education) moved a financial resolution, and in so doing be exp'i'ossed the opinion that under the income limits, seventy-five per cent, of the parents whose children were kept at school for the extra year would apply for maintenance grants, which would cost £?>,- 750,000 for the first year, rising to five and a-half millions a. year later. The Exchequer, he said, would bear seventy per cent, of this amount. Air W. J. AVomersley (Conservative, Grimshv), argued that parents did not desire to leave their children at school for the extra year.' Air ATcGovern: “That is a lie!” The Chairman of Committees demanded the withdrawal of this remark. ■Mr McGovern: “T will not withdraw. Ho is slandering the woiking classes.” The Chairman pleaded, but Air McGovern remained seated, and made no offer to withdraw. Air Speaker- wits then summoned, ' and the Chairman of Committees named Air McGovern for disregarding his ruling.

Sir C. Trevelyan, who was temporarily leading the House. then moved the suspension of Air McGovern. The latter’s hack-bench supporters then forced a divison of the motion, when the suspension of Air McGovern was carried by 395 votes to 40 ; AA 7 hcn Air ATcGovern was withdrawing lie stopped three times and hurled hack interjections. Ho said: “T wish you would show more enthusiasm for the unemployed, and feed the starving multitudes,” As a parting shot he yelled : “You are a dirty set of dogs I You are haby-starvers!” AA’hen the discussion . was resumed. Sir John SimoA (Liberal) while approving of the principle of the Bill in extending the school-going years, said he did not favour the Government's method of giving maintenance grants without a full inquiry into the parouts’ financial position. Aft/w all. the income tax papers-, had to submit to even closer inquiries, » why should not the beneficiaries under the Tim financial resolution was carried bv 271 votes, to 242. The Liberals did not vote. I•' .. , ! "