BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 April 1931, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

IN THE COMMONS. REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. INDIA AND MADEIRA. (Official Wireless.) (Received 8.55 n.m.) RUGBY, April 20. In the Commons to-day. the att ntion of the Secretary for India. Mr Wedgwood Bonn, was called to a r solution passed at the AH India .Moslem (.'on fore lice this month, and he was asked what action was being taken to assure Moslems that they and olh r , minorities in India could always rely on British protection. Mr Menu in reply, rclcrrcd Ihe e.uestloners to the Prime Minister's stated policy at the concluding meeting of the Round Table Conference. In the first paragraph of that declaration it set out that the new constitution must contain such guarantees as were required by minorities to protect their political rights. The policy was referred to by him on March 12. in the Commons, when lie made it clear that such guarantees must be provided in order that the new constitution should start with the goodwill and confidence of all communities concerned. That Was the fixed policy of the Government. Answering Commoner’s questions regarding the present situation in Madeira, the Foreign Secretary, Mr Henderson. stated that rebel forces continue in occupation of the island and the British cruiser London remains in the port of Funchal for protection of British subjects and property. An expeditionary force recently sent from Portugal was diverted to deal with an outbreak in Azores, and it was now reported the insurgents there have surrendered unconditionally. Portuguese men-of-war are cruising in the vicinity of Madeira to enforce the douree prohibiting the use by foreign ships of the island, except for the evacuation of foreign nationals, 'file importance which the British Government attaches to the safeguarding o r British interest in Madeira, has been strongly iPi pressed upon the Portuguese Government by Sir Francis Lindley, British Ambassador in Lisbon, and,upon the rebels by the British Consul at Funchal. No British subjects are reported to have been molested nor any British property damaged.

Mr Shimvell, Alines Secretary tn-dav met a joint deputation of the Aliners Federation and -miners members of Parliament which laid proposals before him on legislation, referring to a minimum wage for the mining industry. BY-ELECTIONS PENDING. RUGBY. April 17. A writ has been issued for the byelection at Ashton-Under-Lyne. Lancashire, which will have spiral, interest as the n.ew party organised by Sir Oswald Mosley, M.P., has announced its intention of puLting up a Candida to for the first time. 'Three other by-elections arc already pending, arid another at Scarborough will follow the resignation for reasons of health of the Conservative Member. Captain S. Herbert, which is reported to-day. The London “Gazette” states that Lieutenant-Colonel AY. Grant Alorden, member of the House of Commons for Brentford and Chiswick, has been adjudicated bankrupt.

Unless the adjudication is removed within six months the member automatically forfeits bis seat. In the meantime lie may not, take bis seat in the House. IN THE COMMONS. REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. INDIA AND MADEIRA. (British Official Wireiess.) (Received this day at 10.30 a.m.) RUGBY, April 20. In the Commons today, the attention of the Secretary for India, Air AVedgewood Benn, was called to a resolution passed at the All India Aloslent Conference this month, and he was asked what action was being taken to assure Moslems that they and other minorities in India could always rciy on British protection. Air Benn in reply, referred the questioners to the Prime Alinister’s stated policy at the concluding meeting of the Round Table Conference. In the first paragraph of that declaration it set out tria t the new constitution must contain such guarantees 'as were required by minorities to protect their political rights. The policy of the Government in this imatetr was referred to by him on Alarcli 12th. in the Commons, alien lie made it clear that such guarantees must he provided in order that the new constitution should start with the goodwill and confidence of all communities concerned. That was the fixed policy ol Government.

Answering Commons questions rercgarding present situation in Aladcjra, the Foreign Secretary. Air Henderson, stated rebel forces continue in occupation of the Island and the untish cruiser, London, remains in the fort of Funchal for protection of British subjects and property. An expeditionary force recently sent Irom Port, uiral was diverted to deal with nn outbreak in Azores, and it was now reported the insurgents there have surrendered unconditionally. Portuguese men of war are cruising m the vicinity of Madeira to enforce the decree prohibiting the use by foreign ships of the Island, except lor the evacuation of foreign nationals. The importance whiji the British Govern-

ment attaches to the safeguarding of British interests in .Madeira, has been strongly impressed upon the Portuguese Government hv (Sir Trailers Lind ley, British Ambassador jn Lisbon, and upon the rebels by the British Consul at Funchal. No British subjects are reported to have been molested, nor any British property damaged.

All- .Shinweill, Alines Secretary today met a joint deputation of Aliners .Members of I'arliament which laid proposals before him on legislation, re--1 erring to tlic minimum wave lor the milling industry. LONDON, April zi>.

’1 he Sunday Ferlormam-es Bill passim the second leading by 258 votes to 210. Large crowds were gathered outside tile House waiting the result. There rival shoutis ol ‘‘give us liberty” “down with the ( nnliiteiitnl Sunday.” The House was crowded throughout tho debate, which aroused stronger feelings than anything since the Prayer Book.

QUESTIONS

LONDON, April 20

In the Commons Air dynes, in answer to questions, said tin.* Government was not prepared to give a right of asylum in England to Tm/tsky, for reasons already explained.

Aliss Lee—“ Why is it possible for the King of Spain?” Tim Speaker ruled tho question out of order.

Hore-Belisha asked “Is it the Government’s policy not to admit political refugees V' Air Clynes replied—“ Certainly not.” LONDON, April 20.

Pi on .!, R. Clynes said it would be Letter to il.-Uiy the decision whether to appoint a committee to consider permitting sweepstakes in aid of charities as 'legislation for the present session was impossible.

Air A. Henderson said Germany. Italy, Belgium. Holland, Sweden and Norway all unofficially inquired whether Britain was taking any action to secure reductions in the Suez Canal dues. He said British shipping interests might make direct representations on tin* subject. 'I he Suez (.anal profits for 1929-30 wcr e approximately £6,000,000.