BRITISH POLITICS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 96, 6 December 1911, Page 6

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE INSURANCE BILL. (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association.) London, December 5. On the ground that it was inadequately discussed, Mr. Henry Foster moves to-morrow that, while approving the objects of the Insurance Bill, the House is of opinion that, under Part I. the public funds and individual contributions are not used to the Lest advantage. Also, that the Bill was unequal in its operation, and steps should be taken to enable further consideration of Part I. until 1912. Half the draft regulations have meanwhile been published. The report stage of the Insurance Bill concluded after an ineffectual Opposition attempt to secure the varying rates of contributions and gradation of benefits.

Air. Ramsay McDonald’s amendment to fix a workman’s contribution at 3d instead of.-id was negatived by 188 to 156. Air. Lloyd-George declares that the Insurance Bill, as amended, meets to some extent the trade unions’ and friendly societies’ objections. He adds that the regulations will be so framed as to allow one application for recognition as an approved society to cover all membership throughout the kingdom. The concession was due to the threatened defection of the Labour Party.

VOLUNTEER POLICE. London, Decern her 5. Air. AlcKen.ua, President of the Board of Trade, promised to consider the suggestion to issue an explanation of the status of responsible police, compared with the proposed volunteer force. He added, In reply to a question, that nobody was entitled to assume police functions, although it was the duty of all citizens to assist in maintaining the law. The volunteer force had no powers, different to ordinary citizens. FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMIvIITTEE. London, December 5. Eight Liberal Commoners are joining Mr. Buxton’s proposal for the Liberal Foreign Affairs Committee.