LABOUR METHODS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 127, 2 May 1925, Page 5

LABOUR METHODS

SCENE IN HOUSE OF COMMONS. CHANCELLOR REFUSED A HEARING. (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, April 30. Mr Winston Churchill, Chancellor of the Exchequer, in replying- to the Budget debate, in the House of Commons, was in fighting mood. He faced an angry scene when ho expressed the opinion that it was in the interests of the trade unions and employers to inform themselves of the danger; iff. workers learning how to qualify for unemployment insurance. There were Labour cries of ‘ “Shame 1 1 ’ “Disgraceful 1” “Insulting to toe workers!” and “Withdraw 1” all of which continued iff spite of the cl'iainnaai’s (Hon. James Hope’s) appeals lor order. Mr Churchill w irmly declined to, withdraw. A score of Labour members then sprang up, talking simultaneously. The Chancellor ironically commented on the righto of free speech and remained on his feet for fifteen minutes, vainly trying to get a hearing. Finally, he sat down, amid loqd Ministerial cheers, suggesting that the motion should be taken forthwith, since the Opposition was not prepared to listen to the Government’s spokesman. The Communist member, Mr Saklatvala, rose to resume the debate, whereupon the bulk of the Ministerialists rose and walked out. Mr Baldwin moved the closure of the debate, amid back-bench Labourite cries of “Dirty 1” Labour members challenged the division, but did not persist on account of admonitions from Mr MacDonald, who, with the Labour front benches, did not participate in the interruptions, though previously he denounced the Budget on lines gumil&T to Mr Snowden’s speechThe committee stage was then dosed, and the debate will be resumed on May 7.—A. and N.Z. cable.