FISCAL REFORM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 117, 21 May 1904, Page 3

FISCAL REFORM.

THE DEBATE IN THE COMMONS. LONDON, May 19. There was an animated debate on Mil Black's motion, ' That the House, believing that a protective taxation on food would be burdensome to the people and injurious to the Empire, welcomes the Ministerial declaration that the Government is opposed to such taxation." Mr Black hoped the Government would no longer pursue a a policy of sham, shuttle, and shunt in regard to the fiscal question. - The Hon. George Goschen, Conservative member for East Granstead, seconded the motion. He insisted that Mr Balfour must not conclude with Mr Chamberlain cither a passionate -or platonic alliance. The Right Hon. G. Wyndbam,Chief Secretary for Ireland, moved Mr Balfour's amendment " That the House considers it unnecessary to discuss fiscal reforms and Mr Balfour's Sheffield declarations, regarding which the Government has announced that no proposals will bo submitted to the present Parliament, and expresses continued confidence in the Government, and desires to proceed with the business proposed in the-King's speech." He contended that the motion was an obscure, invidious veiled vote of censure. Lord Hugh Cecil (Conservative) bitterly assailed Mr Chamberlain, amid loud protests from a majority of the Unionists. He compared him to Bob Acres, inasmuch as he shirked discussion of his policy in the House of Commons and hid behind the Government. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach (Conservative) said the motion was un doubtedly hostile to the Government. It only covered its negative policy, namely, negotiation for reduction of high tariffs and retaliation. Mr Chamberlain warmly complained of Lord Hugh Cecil's accusation of moral cowardice. Debates in the present Parliament .ivere altogether premature, and could not affect the [ ultimate fiscal issue. When the proper time came, and it might come sooner than he imagined, he fancied he would not shirk discussion. (Prim. Hon ' A ' J ' Balfour " Minister) severely reouked Lord Hugh Cecil. Mr Chamber- . s courage had never before been impugned. He added nothing and detracted nothing from the policy enunciated at Sheffield, and emphasized the inexpediency and unreasonableness of the Opposition's constant efforts to embarrass the Government. He appealed to wavcrcrs to support the Government, whose military , colonial, and foreign policy they approved. Mr Asquith's» amendment was a subterfuge to prevent tl.e House declaring against protective taxation on food. It was a capitulation to the Birmingham policy. Sir M. Hicks-Beach, Sir Edgar Vincent, Mr Yerburgh, and other Free Fooders supported the Government. Fifty-seven Nationalists and twen-ty-one Union Free Fooders voted for Mr Black's motion. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman (Leader of the Opposition) continues the debate on the amendment. PARLIAMENT ADJOURNED. (Received May 21, 0.12 a.m.) LONDON, May 20. Parliament has adjourned for the Whitsuntide recess.