HOME POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 June 1921, Page 5

HOME POLITICS.

MEMBERS' PRIVILEGES. DEBATE ON REPRISALS. ADJOURNMENT NEGATIVED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received June 2, 5.5 p.m. London, June 1. In the House of Commons, Mr. Austen Chamberlain said he warmly favored the payment of members’ fares, instancing the Scottish member, who was never able to go home during the session, and who only saw his wife when she came to London on a deputation. He eaid he would abandon the proposal not to charge income tax, as he understood the revenue authorities were prepared to deal generously with members as regards expenses The House then rejected a proposal that third-class tickets should be granted by 213 votes to 104, but a later division was definitely against any free tickets, which was a surprise. The voting was 197 to 171. Sir Donald McUean (Liberal) aroused

hot protests from Labor members by saying the Government was relying upon / Labor to help them out of the odd situation that has arisen, as the Government had already distributed free railway vouchers, and a number of members had availed themselves of them. Later Colonel Seeley moved the adjournment in order to protest against the Government’s policy of destroying houses m Ireland as reprisals. Several members said reprisals were driving the Government’s friends into the arms of Sinn Fein, and were causing intense bitterness. Mr. J. R.. dynes (chairman of the Parliamentary Labor Party) appealed to the Government to reverse its policy. It was futile and wicked to inflict punishment on innocent people. Sir Hamar Greenwood (Chief Secretary for Ireland) replied that reprisals were only carried out on strictly military grounds. He was prepared to discuss with the Commander-in-Chief whether they were successful. The adjournment wa«? negatived without a division.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.