OLD AGE PENSIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 181, 22 July 1908, Page 2

OLD AGE PENSIONS.

UKBAXEULVTHK HOUSE OF LOBUS. OI'OLJSXT mgBeccived 21, 11.15 p . m . 1 ii ~ London, July 21. In the House of Lords, the 41-a m read a second «; Lord Wcinyss moved that, pending tlm report of the ltoyal Commission »& uu to investigate the Poor Law, it would be unwise to consider any Bills (of wu i c)l the. Pension Bill would be one) giviua indefinite extension to outdoor relief. Lord Cromer regarded the Bill as a reckless one, without a solid financial foundation. It mortgaged the main resources of the country for an indefinite time. Those who were supposed to be the best friends of free trade .tabbed that policy in the back and crippled our position in the event of any national emergency or a llitanchil revolution wliou they supported the Bill.

The Archbishop of Canterbury warmly approved the Bill, which, he .said, wa« the first step on a long toilsome journey. Lord Saint Aldwin said the financial aspects were very grave. It might mean letting out water and no one be able to tell how far the ilood might rise. The cost ought fairly to be divided among all classes. He sympathised with theamendment, but was compelled to think of the feelings of the country. Lord Eosebery said the consequences of the Bill were far greater than the great Reform Bill. While it was within: the House of Lords' prerogative to reject the Bill, such a step, he thought, would prove impolitic. It was socialism pure and simple, but some such measure was required to deal a mortal blow tj the private pension fund. Increased' taxation must make many converts for protection, ile feared the Empire, which had recently received a ne«- impulse, would lie wrecked by 'ts own finance. Both parties would bid for democratic support by lowering the age and raising the pension. The country was undertaking mi enormous liability with little enquiry. The prospect filled him with despair. Lord Lansdowtfe said the Bill undermined the present poor law system, created a new and huge bureaucracy",,' imposed a burden as heavy as tho eosfy of a great war, but a burden fron.< which the country could never secure emancipation. The financial - condition of the country did not justify such an immense expenditure. Any European financier would say, if the Bill passed, the country must stand in a much weaker position. He did not advise the rejection of the Bill, since it' was a financial Bill, supported by colossal majorities in the House of Com-i mous. He hoped that in committee tho-TJovornniPiit would not insist too. severely on the privileges of the House. of Commons.

Karl Crewe, Secretary of State for tin- Colonies, said the Lords might make their minds easy regarding the resources required to meet the outlay. The interests of the Empire would be protected.