IN THE COMMONS

Hokitika Guardian, 17 June 1931, Page 6

IN THE COMMONS

A SNAP DIVISION. 1. United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph.—Copy right. J RUGBY, June 15. A period of much liveliness occurred at the Commons to-day, while the House was engaged on the committee stage of the Finance Bill. To the general surprise, an amendment moved by a Conservative member, exempting agricultural land from the provisions of the land tax, was carried against the Government by 232 votes to 208, amid Opposition cheers and cries of “Resign!” Mr Baldwin inquired of the Prime Minister what course he proposed to adopt. Mr MacDonald, in reply, pointed out that the amendment was moved' as a. drafting amendment which would have no bearing on the substance of the Bill. In these circumstances, the Government would accept the amendment and would examine it to see if it could be thus described.

More shouting followed this statement, and a Conservative member attempted to provide an occasion for a real test of strength by moving an amendment, which he claimed dealt with 'the point of substance. Finally Sir Arthur Steel Maitland (ex-Con-servative Minister) moved- the closure but the Governmont ranks by tnen were reinforced, and the motion was defeated by the narrow margin of 24(5 to 232, thus reversing the result of the snap division.

SITUATION UNCERTAIN. LONDON, June 16. The Government’s sixth defeat since it came into office, combined with differences betAveen the Labourites and Liberals over the land' tax, have accentuated the uncertainties of the political situation. Many Labour members in the lobby express the opinion that the Governmen tmay possibly be defeated on the major issue to-night. On the other hand, the Conservatives are still convinced that there will be sufficient Liberal abstentions to avert a defeat.

; EXEMPTIONS FROM TAX. LONDON, June 16. In the House of Commons, Mr Snowden, on a motion for the adjournment, announced his intention of exempting from the land tax the land occupied bv friendly societies for investment purposes, also lands owned by charities ,and public playing fields.