BRITISH POLITICS

Taihape Daily Times, 15 February 1919, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS

AMENDMENT TO ADDRESSUNREPLY.

Received 9.15 a.m.

LONDON, February 13

In the House of Commons Mr. Brace moved an amendment to the AflSresS-in-Reply, regretting the absence of definite proposals to deal with industrial unrest. Mr. Thomas seconded.

'At present one million men women are unemployed. The difficulties with the mines, railways and transport workers are so serious that the country might at any moment be plunged into one of the greatest industrial upheavals. He protested against the Premier neglecting to deal with profiteering as a cause of the unrest, lie urged the abandonment of secrecy in settling disputes. Mr. Bonar Law, replying in Lloyd George's absence on important fnTsiness hoped the amendment would not be pressed. The country was facing difficult problems and he urged the Labour members to refrain from condemning the Government before they had an opportunity of fulfilling their promises. o AMENDMENT NEGATIVED. Received 11.40 a.m. LONDON, February ft. In the House of Commons. IS?-. Tonar Law said never in history weifc employers more ready to agree that th"e workers should have a larger share in profits. The eighthour day for railway men was a big step forward. The Government was endeavouring to extend better conditions. The Government had not shown tenderness Tor profiteers. The Government was prepared to inquire into the question of the nationalisation of coal mines. Amelioration would be retrospective. Undoubtedly we were passing through anxious times, and the next fow months would be critical, hut he believed they would be able to pull through. He urged employers to take their courage in their hands, which would not necessitate launching new enterprise. The amendment was negatived by 311 votes to 59.