BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1930, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

IN THE COMMONS. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, December 17. There was a crowded attendance in the House of Commons during the debate of the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill, which must be passed before- the rising of the House of December 19. / Mr \V. Graham surprised the House by moving a disagreement with the Lord’s Amendment which would continue the Dye Stuffs Act another year. The House seethed with excitement as the decision hour approached. Mr Graham’s motion was carried by 214 to 238 votes.

Fifteen Liberals voted with tlie Conservatives.

Seven Labour members, including Mr Oliver Baldwin and Misses Lee and Wilkinson did not vote.

GOVERNMENT DIFFICULTIES.

PRICE OF LIBERAL SUPPORT

(Received this day at 12 noon!. LONDON, December 18. In the Commons, Mr Trevelyn announced lie was unable to complete the Committee debate on the School Ago Bib, a s be was proposing in the New Year to hold a conference regarding voluntary schools. It is understood that the general effect of the Trade Disputes Bill, which was introduced in the Commons to amend the law relating to trades disputes and trade unions is to restore the trades union law to 'the Condition prior to the 1927 act. The new Bill, which is likely to be opposed by a section of Liberals as well as the Conservatives, legalises a sympathetic strike hut does not affect the legal position of a general strike as defj’.ied in . 1927'. The Bill reverses the position of the political levy requiring payments by all trade unionists.

According to lobbyists, important decisions were reached at a joint meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party and National Executive m Labour Peers. It is understood that the meeting approved of the text oi tlie Electoral Reform Bill, including an alternative vote for restriction in the use of motor-cars at elections, the division of two member constituencies, and reduction of candidates expenses.

Mr Maxton vehemently protested that the Bill meant yielding to the Liberals blackmail. Mr MacDonald and Mr Henderson denied any pact with the Liberals, hue members admit they obtained the impression that price obtained for alternative vote is Liberal support of tue Trades Dispute Bill. MV Mosely surprised eneryone by accepting the Electoral Bill and appealing for party unity. Mr MacDonald declared it would bo political suicide to gu to the country at the present. Mr Henderson supporting this view made it clear that the party was aiming at remaining in office for a further two years.

A hope was expressed that unemployment would diminish. The Government’s great present difficulty is the School Age Bill, forty members .intimating that they must vote against it owing to Catholic dissatisfaction with the Bill.