BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Taranaki Daily News, 17 February 1919, Page 5

BRITISH PARLIAMENT

ADDRESS-IN-REPLY DEBATE. MR. BONAR LAW'S REPLY. LABOR AMENDMENT DEFEATED. London, Feb. 13. In the House of Commons, Mr. Brace moved an amendment to the Address-in-Reply regretting the absence of • definite proposals to deal with the industrial unrest. Mr. Thomas seconded the amendment and Baid that a million men and women were unemployed, and the difficulties with the miners and railway and transport workers were so serious that the country might at any moment be plunged in one of the greatest industrial troubles. He protested against the Premier neglecting to deal with profiteering as the cause of unrest and urged the abandonment of secrecy in settling disputed. Mr. Bonar Law, replying in Mr. Lloyd George's absence on important business said lie hoped that the amendment would not be pressed. The country was facing a difficult problem and lie urged Labor members to refrain from condemning the Government before it had had an opportunity of fulfilling its promises.— Aus.-N.X. Cable Assn. London, Feb. 14. In the House of Commons Mr. Bonar Law said that never in history were employers more ready to agree that the workers should have a larger share in profits. The eight-hours' day for railwaymen was a big step forward. The Government was endeavoring to extend better conditions. The Government had not shown tenderness for profiteers. The Government was prepared to inquire into the question of the nationalisation of coal mines. Amelioration would be retrospective. Undoubtedly we were passing through anxious times. The next few months would be critical, but lie believed we should be able to pull through. He urged employers to take their courage in their hands and not hesitate to launch new enterprises. The amendment was negatived by 311 votes to 59.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.