WITHDRAWN BY CABINET

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8340, 29 January 1913, Page 7

WITHDRAWN BY CABINET

CROWDED HOUSE LISTENS TO PREAIIER’S STATEAEENT.

SPEAKER’S RULING UNEXPECTED

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copynzlu LONDON, January 27. Cabinet has withdrawn the Franchise Bill. The House of Commons was crowded during the discussion of the Bill. There was a force of 2000 police outside.

The Premier, Air Asquith, said that tho Speaker’s ruling was unexpected. The Government had considered tho point and believed that precedents justified their action. Ho denied any sharp practice, but said it would be unreal to continue the discussion of Sir Edward Grey’s amendment. Tho Government would proceed with an Electoral Reform Bill during the present Parliament, and would give facilities for the introduction of a-private Women’s Suffrage Bill next session. ONLY TWO COURSES OPEN. (Received January 28, 11.45 p.m.) LONDON, January 28. Air Asquith said that he had obtained the Speaker’s ruling that the Government’s own amendments made tho Franchise Bill substantially a new Bill, as the original measure did not purport to introduce a' new class of elector, whereon Air Asquith declared that it became, a question whether ho would proceed with the Bill, adding that two million male electors thought that in fairness to the women it should bo dropped. Only two courses remained. Either the Government must introduce women’s suffrage, which it could not do, or grant facilities for a private Bill. Mr Bonar Law said that he absolved the Government of evading its pledges to tho women. He thought that the suffragist cause would have a fairer opportunity with an independent Bill. Ho regretted that tho collapse of the Bill deprived Air Lloyd George of replying to Air Harcourb. Air F. Smith suggested that _ the suffragist supporters form a committee on the Bill to act as a temporary executive to pilot it through, while its opponents should similarly constitute a temporary opposition.

Mr Lloyd George and Air Balfour approved of a suggestion leaving Ministers to follow their convictions. Sir Edward Grey offered the measure the use of the guillotine. The Labourites demanded a Government measure.

NEW MEASURE NEXT SESSION,

(Received January 23, 10.65 p.m.) LONDON, January 28. The Government will not adopt Mr Harold Baker’s Bill, but will introduce a new measure next session dealing with registration, plurality, and redistribution.