BRITISH POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 152, 18 June 1908, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

OLD AGE PENSIONS. London, June Id, Several of the newspapers criticise Mr Lloyd-George's tentative proposals for a sliding .scale for old age pensions as in evidence that the scl.'eiw was hurriedly prepared, and that changes must be made which will swell the total cost. The Times says: "The leak will be continually enlarged on the plea, that t'iiere is distributable wealth in the country." Received 17th, 10.35 p.m. London, June 17. In the House of Commons Mr. Harold Cox's amendment in regard to the Old Age Pensions Bill was negatived by 417 to 29. The Bill was then read a second time. Mr. Walter (ex-President of the Local Government Board), regretted applying the closure, inasmuch as the Bill wa>. the most important measure. 1 * in respei-1 of social reforms introduced since 1831. The best solution would be a combination of the Government scheme will' contributory provisions. If in Germany a laborer contributed tn a pension 'im.l why could not the British? He mltM Hie Government could consult friendly societies on. the mutter. Mr, Thomas Burt (Morpeth) wanii'y supported the Government. sfr. Balfour (ex-Premier) sympathised with Mr. Lloyd-George, as he was the embarrassed stepmother of the Bill. He explained the Government was dealing in a fragmentary way with a, smalK part of a large question.