BRITISH POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 November 1919, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

"DORA" STILL TO LIVE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, October 28. Sir Gordon - Hewart, the AttorneyGeneral, in moving tTie second reading of the War Emergency Laws Continuance Bill, explained that it was intended to continue cDrtain parts of the Defence of the Realm Act, and other war time regulations, but to abolish passport regulations, the power of billeting soldiers, the prohibition of processions and imprisonment without trial.

The administrators of Ireland advised that, in view of the present state of affairs the scope of the original Bill should not yet be diminished. Criticism, taking the line that the regulations are no longer necessary, culminated in Sir F. Banbury's amendment to adjourn the debate in order to enable the Government to introduce a more acceptable measure. Mr. Bonar Law pointed out that peace would probably be ratified in February or March, possibly ratified before next session, therefore the Government could not take the risk of postponement. A sudden withdrawal of the regulations would result in chaos. The Bill operated W>r a year as the maximum. The abandonment of the regulations would cause a serious coal shortage, and the prices of food and coal would rise enormously. The country was making marvellous strides towards the resumption o! normal conditions, but the Bill was necessary for the protection of trade. The House must make np its mind whether the clatter outside suggesting that the Government had lost confidence was true.

The amendment was defeated by 283 Votes to 77.