IMPERIAL POLITICS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 259, 2 May 1912, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS

THE BANKRUPTCY AMENDMENT. BILL. By Association—Copyright, London, April 30. Lord Granard's Bankruptcy Amendment Bill makes insolvency through gambling, failure to explain the disappearance of assets, and failure to keep accounts after a previous insolvency, criminal offences. A Select Committee of the House of Lords has begun the consideration of the Canvey Island Wharf and Railway Bill. Australia and New Zealand have petitioned in favor of it.

THAT DEBATEABLE SURPLUS. London, April 30. In the Budget debate the Opposition moved to compel the payment to the sinking fund of the surplus remaining after meeting the requirements of the Chancellor of the Exchequer for additional naval expenditure or losses sustained through the industrial troubles. The amendment was negatived by a majority of 53 votes. THE FOREST OF DEAN SEAT. London, April 30. Mr. Henry Webb, in the by-elecJ;ion for the Forest of Dean seat, caused by his appointment as a Junior Lord of the Treasury, was returned unopposed. TAKING IN SAIL.

London, April 30. Mr. Lloyd George, when he opposed the amendment respecting the sinking fund, explained that Mr. Churchill had already indicated that Britain's naval expenditure depended on that of other countries. "If," ho said, "their programme should be altered, Mr. Churchill asks for further expenditure. We do not know what is the present position or what our liabilities are, but they must be faced."