BRITAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 May 1916, Page 5

BRITAIN.

THE WAR IN PARLIAMENT. FINANCE BILL DEBATE. A PLEA FOR TARIFFS. Received May 10, 5.5 p.m. London, Mav 18. In the House of Commons, during the second reading of the debate on the Finance Bill, Mr. Hewins said that people under-rated Germany's economic strength. He complained 'of the policy of straining free trade to the limits, instead of considering other policies. Unless steps were taken, manv firms would be ruined after the war. The policy of prohibiting imports had broken down, and a tariff was the only remedv. The Paris conference was the most 'important of modern times. Everything depended upon our initiative." and the Government should announce preferential treatment with the colonies and the allies. . *

Mr. A. Chamberlain agreed that it was unwise to found hopes upon German economic exhaustion, hut we must rely on our strength. The condition of our finances, after an unexampled strain, showed that we could continue to struggle as long as the necessary revenue returns exceeded the estimate, providing we were not overstraining our resources. He agreed that industry and commerce required careful consideration after the war, but it was undoubted that the various parties would evolve an agreement for the work of reconstruction. Certainly the Government would require much' help to organise and support the industries. We already wero immensely advanced towards an agreement. He was not bound to his exact pre-war tariff policy, and hoped a new system would be formed on the basis of a National and Imperial policy.

Mr. Asquith will move a further credit vote on Tuesday. THE AIR SERVICE. Received May 19, 5.5 p.m. London, May IS. kittle progress lias been made' in the air inquiry. Mr. Joynson Hicks admitted that there had been great improvements in air defence since his charges were formulated. We might, ho said, be superior to the Germans, hut that was not the same as saying we had the mastery of the air. He demanded more and stronger aeroplanes. He refused to divulge the names of his informants, who are flying officers. Mr. Billing did not attend the House. THE FOREIGN OFFICE. LORD HARDINGE'S APPOINTMENT. London, May IS. Lord Hardinge was the reaj author of the Russian Entente in 1908. His new appointment to succeed Sir Arthur Nicolson at the Foreign Office is interpreted as a sign that Britain desires to strengthen her relations with Russia. AN ALLEGED TRAITOR. London, May IS. Captain Jamoi White, son of the late -Field-Marshall Sir George White, has been charged at Aberdare with being concerned in the alleged plot to bring out Welsh miners on strike if Connolly were shot.