BRITISH POLITICS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8439, 10 May 1907, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL •BILL. Received May 9, 8.35 a.m. LONDON, May 9. In the House of. Commons, yesterday, Mr Birrell, Secretary for Ireland, moved the first reading of the Administrative Council (Dublin) Bill. Mr Birrell remarked that the Bill did not contain a touch, trace, ' hint, or suggestion of any new legislative power or authority, adding that Parliament would remain majestically unaffected by its provisions. The only way the Bill could lead to "the larger policy" was in affording triumphant proof of the capacity of the Irish masses for governing themselves and governing the minority ably and impartially. The council would consist of 82 members elected by the local government electors, and of 24 nominated members, with the UnderSecretary to the Lord Lieutenant added as an ex-officio member. They would form a council which would have complete control over and exercise of the powers now or hereafter vested in eight departments, including the Local Government, Congested Districts, and Public Works Boards, and the new Education Department. Mr Birrell emphasised that the Board of Works under the new Bill could perform its duties only by taking wide views and resisting pressure. The pension rights of existing public servants would be safeguarded, and a separate Irish Treasury under an Irish Treasurer be established. An Irish Fund of £4,000,000 would be paid to the Irish Treasury, and would be administered by the council. This £4,000,000 would be made up as fol-lows:-£2,000,000 now spent by the eight departments, with an additional £650,000 per annum from the British taxpayer, which Was due to large expenditure, and would be a charge on the Consolidated Fund; also, £',450,000 forJocal grants. Any act due to preference shown to religious denominations would be invalidated. Parliament's final authority would be secured by empowering the LordLieutenant to reserve the council's resolutions for Parliament's assent. Roman Catholics-would be eligible for the position of Lord-Lieutenant. Mr Balfour, Leader of the Opposition, doubted whether Mr Birrell regarded this preposterous scheme seriously. He predicted that it would be unworkable. It would create constant friction; besides, it would not relieve the House of Commons of one hour's work. It was unsatisfactory that any party should be used for Nationalist ends. Mr Redmond, Leader of the Nationalists, received the Bill with qualified approval. He disapproved nominated members, but accepted them in the hope of allaying the fears of He withheld final judgment of the Bill, but would not repel any device for lessening the sufferings of his countrymen. Irish Unionists vehemently denounced the measure, predicting that it would lead to religious strife, and that the minority would be at the mercy of the permanent Catholic majority. After the closure had been applied the motion for the first reading was carried by 416 votes to 121. A STEP TO THE "LARGER POLICY." Received May 9, 8.35 a.m. LONDON, MayS. The Times says that had not the Nationalists openly exulted in the Bill as a clear step to "the larger policy," thsy would not have been playing up to their partners. It is in entire accordance with Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman's policy to arm them with an effective, though skilfully disguised engine enabling them to prosecute their aims. The Pall Mall Gazette denounces the Bill as a back-door attempt to secure Home Rule. The Westminster Gazette says the Bill is different from Home Rule, and is strictly in accordance with pledges given by the Government before the elections.