HOME POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 January 1922, Page 5

HOME POLITICS.

PROSPECTS OF. ELECTION. DIFFERENT OPINIONS. WILL DISTURB TRADE. By Telegraph.—Pres* Assn. —Copyright. Received Jan. 7, 55 p.m. ■London, Jan. 6. The Daily Mail states that the Coalition Government is in great difficulties over the heralded general election, which is provisionally fixed by Coalition Whips for February 11, when Mr. Lloyd George is desirous of appealing to the country on the cries of pease in Ireland and economy at home, on the lines of the Geddes’ recommendations.

Mr. Bonar Law is desirous of returning to the Cabinet, which is conveniently possible only after a general election, when he will replace Mr. Balfour. Mr. Chamberlain is opposed to an election, and he has an official Unionist backing. Lord Birkenhead agrees with him.

■lt is noteworthy that the Unionist leaders are pledged to the House of Lords’ reform before the present House of Common disappears, a promise which the rank and file are not likely to forget. The technical disadvantages of an election before the House meets are considerable. Moneys are required for the public services, which the House of Commons normally votes, though during its adjournment it is usual to meet requirements by temporarily resorting to the Civil Contingency Fund, which, however, at present is almost exhausted. Meanwhile the forces against an election are gaining daily, as the business community is wishing for a respite till trade has revived.—United Service.