The War Scandals.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7856, 23 June 1905, Page 3

The War Scandals.

MB BALFOUR SEVERELY IHECKLED. I ** (Received June 22, lLl4p.ni.) LONDON. June 22. The Opposition severely heckled Mr Balfour respecting the Government's responsibility over the .war contract scandals. Mr Balfour, recognising, that the Opposition regarded the appointment of a select committee with suspicion, proposed instead a Royal Commission with power' to take evidence on oath. This will be probably composed of judicial and business men. Mr Balfour stated that he was following tha precedent the Liberals set in regard to the inquiry into bent bayonets and broken swurils at the tattle of Abuklca, Soudan Campaign, but Sir H. Campbell-Banner-tnan drew a sharp distinction between/ the enquiry into the conduct of officers and the Government's responsi- • Wlities. Mr Balfour onVjuired if the Opposition desired to exclude all enguiry into the conduct of the Government art the officials. When this was loudly disclaimed, Mr Balfour retorted that the Opposition wanted to condemn the Government first, an 3 tjbien enquire inJo I jtfae facts. " ] A MOTION OF CENSURE. <Beccived June 22, 11.14 p.m.) I LONDON, 'Juna B% In the House of Commons Sir Robert Bcid gave notice of motion that tho Government deserved censure in connection with the war contracts scandal, anil the failure to engjuire into the matter promptly and to deal • prith those transactions.