DEVELOPMENT AND ROAD IMPROVEMENT FUNDS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2896, 15 September 1909, Page 19

DEVELOPMENT AND ROAD IMPROVEMENT FUNDS.

LONDON, September 7. In the House of Commons Lord Robert Cecil moved the rejection of the Development and Road Improvement Funds Bill, which covers the whole field of industrial and commercial activity. He said that one clause allowed the Government to acquire any land compultorily. There was nothing to prevent the nationalisation of all the railways, and he quoted from Mr J. E. Redmond's speech at Arklow, which was roported in Th"c Times of July 5. Mr Lloyd-George interjected a denial of Mr Redmond's statements relating to Drainage Bills and the nationalisation of Irish railways. Lord Robert Cecil (continuing) said : "At anyrate, the speech showed what was expected of the Development Bill, which was part of a gigantic scheme to bribe the electorates.' 7 Lord Robert Cecil and other Opposition speakers warmly approved many of the objects of the bill, though they disapproved of the machinery clauses, and instanced colonial experience of a roads and badges policy. Mr Lloyd George, replying, said that his purpose was to systematise the vari- !

ous kinds of assistance. The Advisory Committee would not be composed of partisans, but would command thb confi- : dence of both parties. The bill was read a second time by 137 to 17. September 8. In the House of Commons Mr LloydGeorge stated that he had abandoned his intention of appropriating the old ' sinking fund for the purposes of the Development Bill, and the commission which it was intended should administer the funds with little responsibility to Parliament. j The Unionists' criticism was directed to showing that, however laudable its objects, the bill empowered the Execu- ! tive to raise and spend money on almost any object in any part of the kingdom without reference to Parliament. IRISH LAND BILL. LONDON, September 9. Mr John Redmond, speaking at Waterford, said that if the landlords were mad . enough to reject the Irish Land Bill he i would advise the people to take vigorous ' action in the winter, and' he himself would lead the campaign. THE HOUSE OP LORDS. LONDON, September 9. The newspaper the British Weekly urges the formation of a Free Church I Urgency League against the House of Lords. Dr Clifford is prepared to head a crusade. GENERAL ELECTION ANTICIPATED. LONDON, September 11. It is expected that the bill will be sent jto the House of Lords about Ithe 15th of October. Both parties expect a general election to follow in a few weeks. PARTY TACTICS. LONDON, September 10. The Opposition leaders have reached an agreement whereby Lord Robert Cecil, Mr G. S. Bowles, Lieutenant-colonel P. W. Lambton, and Mr Abel Smith will not be opposed by the Unionist Associations in the constituencies. They are now to be approached with a view to obviating tariff reform opposition to tho sitting members of the Free Food-Unionist party. SUPPRESSION OP INDECENT PUBLICATIONS. LONDON, September 137 Mr Gladstone (Home Secretary) proposes ,to introduce legislation dealing with | indecent publications and advertisements. HOUSES AND TOWN PLANNING BILL. LONDON, September 12. The Houses and Town Planning Bill was read a third time in the House of Commons, and a first time in the House of Lords.