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Taranaki Daily News, 23 July 1921, Page 5

HOME POLITICS.

A NOISY DEBATE

GOVERNMENT ATTACKED.

PREMIER’S BRISK REPLY.

B/ Telegraph.--Trus Asan. Copyright.

Received July 22, 8.5 p.m.

London, July 21. There was an exciting debate in tha House of Commons on a motion by Mr. Asquith (Liberal leader) to reduce th© vote for the Ministry of Health by £lOO as a protest against the housing reductions.

Dr. Addison, who lately resigned the Ministry of Health, took the opportunity to make a vehement attack on th© i Government, and he was loudly cheered. ,by qn expectant Opposition. He denounced economy in housing matters I when millions had been spent in Russia,f Mesopotamia. Palestine and Turkey. Mr. Lloyd George, in a fighting administered a crushing rebuke, which delighted Coalition members. The Premier commenced by taunting Dr. Addison with enjoying the freedom of a resigned Minister. There was, he ©aid, always plenty of zeal among Oppositions for returned prodigals; nevertheless, a few days ago he was personally defending Dr. Addison from his present friends, who grudged him two months’ salary. Dr. Addison was winning fame cheaply by the sacrifice of his two months’ salary.

There was an uproar and cries of Limehouse” and “Withdraw”.

The Speaker interposed and pointed out that Dr. Addison had strongly attacked the Government and the Opposition must listen to the reply. He temporarily restored order, and Mr. Lloyd George continued. The Premier said the Government’s policy was to avoid commitments which would enable builders to put up prices against the Government.

The interruptions continued, chiefly/ from the Labor Party, which was angry. In a dashing counter-attack, Mr. George concluded: “Housing has been' cut down because we are facing one of, the gravest trade slumps Britain has. ever witnessed, and the Government. is» faced with a most anxious monetary position.”

Mr. Asquith’s amendment was rejected, by 255 votes to 37.—-Aus.-N.Z. Gabi© Assn.