HOUSE OR COMMONS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 22 January 1931, Page 7

HOUSE OR COMMONS

A GOVERNMENT DEFEAT ON EDUCATION BILL (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, 21st January. In the House of Commons to-night the Government was defeated in a dmsion on the report stage of the Education Bill for raising the school leaving age. Tlie bill lias met opposition from groups in all political parties on the question of state aid to be given to the lion-provided section of schools to enable them to fulfil tlie programme of building and staffing involved. A series of conferences to reach an agreed settlement was held by tlie Education Minister during the recess but proved abortive.

The division took place on an amendment moved by Mr Scurr, Catholic Labour member, to suspend the operation of tlie Act pending arrangement for such, and resulted in 282 against 24!).

Questioned by Mr Baldwin whether tlie bill would be proceeded with tonight the Prime Minister that as no principle at all was involved in the division he lioped the House would proceed. A motion to adjourn the House moved from the Conservative benches was not pressed to a division. THIRD READING PASSED (Received 22nd January, 1.50 p.m. LONDON, This Day. The House of Commons passed tlie third reading of the Education Bill by 256 votes to 233, most Liberals abstaining from voting owing to the success of Mrs J. Scurr’s (Labour) amendment which, as the Hon. Walter R.unciman said, free church supporters consider retrograde.

THE OTTAWA CONFERENCE STATEMENT TO BE MADE (United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) . LONDON, 20th January. In the House of Commons, when asked what steps were being taken to increase the British import and export trade with the dominions, Mr Graham, President of the Board of Trade, said lie would later make a statement regarding preparations for the Ottawa Conference.

Pressed by Sir Frederick Hall to say what was actually being done, Mr Graham said: “If you mean tariffs, I can promise nothing of that description.” MOTION OF CONDOLENCE LONDON, 20th January. Members in silence carried Mr MacDonald’s motion, supported by Mr Baldwin and Mr Lloyd George, condoling with His Majesty on the death of the Princess Royal. RUSSIA’S SURPLUS WHEAT DUMPING IN BRITAIN (Received 22nd January, 12.40 p.m.) LONDON, 21st January. In the House of Commons, Commander Bellairs asked whether Mr Graham, president of the Board of Trade, was aware of the Soviet’s decision to increase its exportable supplies of grain in 1031 from 10 to 25 per cent., and what measures tlie Government were taking to prevent dumping in Britain. Mr Gillett, Parliamentary Secretary for overseas trade, replied that Mr Graham was aware that the Soviet intended to increase exports, and it was referred to in Mr Graham’s answer in the House of Commons on 3rd November last. Mr Locker Lampson: “Is Mr Graham aware that the increased exports are due to the starvation of Russians?” Mr Gillett: “No.” Mr Locker Lampson: Then he ought to be. Mr Wise: Is he aware that the statement just made is untrue? Cries of withdraw. Mr Locker Lampson asked for an early opportunity to prove that his statement was true. Amidst further cries of “withdraw,” the Speaker called the next question. Sir P. Sasson gave notice of motion of adjournment on England’s nonparticipation in the Schneider Cup. The Speaker refused to accept the motion.