British Politics.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3625, 17 March 1906, Page 2

British Politics.

London, March 14, j Owing to Mr Keir Hardie’s dependent attitude, a movement is afoot to draw closer the political * kinship, between the Government and the old. Labour party. The . promoters assert that the Liberal leaders favour a separate organisa- . tiou representing the Liberal and Labour Commoners. Substantial financial support is promised to. increase the numbers at next election, hoping to create a Labourparty within *he Liberal party* The promoters will not attempt an alliance with Mr Keir Hardie'a* group.

Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman--declined to appoint a committee to consider the revival of franking ’ members’ correspondence. v

Mr Herbert Gladstone informed 1 a deputation of employees that the Parliamentary Committee on the forthcoming Trade Disputes Bill intended to give all reasonable protection to everybody in the execution of lawful business. Admittedly opinions on picketting differed, but he hoped and believed strikes and lockouts would ultimately become absolete. He did not forget there were other interests beside those of labour. Government would view the question from the, standpoint, of public policy.

THE PRINCIPLES OF FREETRADE.

DEBATE IN THE HOUSE

OF COMMONS.

In the House of Commons 'the debate on Sir James Kitsou's motioa, “That this House, recogj msing that the people at the reedet elections demonstrated thefr ’un*. qualified fidelity to the principles and practice of freetrade,. record* its determination, to resist any proposals,'whether by way ofa tax on corn or a general tariff, to create in Britain a system of protection,” was resumed.

Mr Balfour’s 'final appeal , to Sir Henry Carapbell-Bannermm to amend the motion to enable this House, without stultifying itself, to broaden ' taxation in times df emergency or for the purposes’ of a great national reform, was ignored by Sir Henry Campbell-Banner-' man. The Prime Minister instead answered questions submitted to him, and allowed minor speakers to oroceed with the debate. 5 ’

Mr Chamberlain thereupon claimed an answer to thequestions, and moved the adjournment of the House.

Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman taunted Mr Balfour about hjs , subtle methods, airy graces, and learning which did nothing to defeat the motion. The ex-Premifer had mentioned two subjects because they were in the forefront of the Oppositionists’ policy. Mr Balfour’s speech was unworthy of the occasion, and his argument? . were contradutory. After comjj 4 oaring the questions put by Mr Balfour, Sir Henry Campbell-Ban-nerman dec’aredSo far • act Ihave not answered them, I have no direct answer to give the questions, which are futile, nonsensical', and misleading. I say enough of, this foolery. Produce ’ your amendments.”

The motion to adjourn was : negatived by 405 votes to 118.. Mr Snowden moved an adjournment, demanding large of social reform. '.. , , The debate was adjourned*

Mr Keir-Hardie opposed the amendment, equally with statement that Free Trade' was the„ sole issue of the election. He protested that the debate was a waste of time which might have;. been profitably spent in redeeming some of the promises on the strength of which the Govern-*. ment won so handsomely at this * elections.

The Hon. Wyndham moved that after the words “ proposal’* the resolution conclude as follows:

—“lnvolving artificial protection against legitimate competition,, but * is prepared to consider, any scholne framed to secure more equal terjns of competition for British trad® and closer commercial union with the colonies or for the purpose of revenue.” He contended tfcat Freetraderstolerated the protective system in India where the dsty‘ was lowered to benefit Manchester, vet object to make changes in Great Britain enabling the Mother/ land to secure advantages in- the colonies. The present systemgiving fair returns for the workers at Home while fostering the' organic evolution of the Empire abroad, -r

Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman* immediately, amid cries of “ Gag ” and “ shame,” closed the - closured By 471 to .171 Sir Tames-Kid-' son’s motion was carried.

Mr Wortley’s amendment to omit all gratuitous reference fo‘ free trade was negatived by. 474 to 98 »