BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9040, 5 March 1908, Page 5

BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

THE NAVY ESTIMATES

HOUSE OP COMMONS DEBATE

Received March 4, 9.37 p.m

LONDON, March 4.

During the debate on the Navy Estimates, Mr A. 11. Lee, Conservative M.P. for Hants, Fareham Division, complained -that the Government's modest constructive programme would not maintain the twopower standard. If the present policy were continued Britain, in 1910, in ships of the Dreadnought type, would not be superior to any two powers, but only equal to Germany. Mr G. Lambert, Civil Lord of the Admiralty, affirmed that Britain was in a position of overwhelming strength. He viewed with great complacency the programme of other Powers up to .1916. He hoped the Rosyth naval base would be available for use in five or ten years.

Mr A. J. Balfour declared the Naval Estimates were illusory and must rise enormously in future years, unless the two power standard was to be abandoned.

THE EDUCATION BILL

SUPPORTED BY FREE CHURCH COUNCIL DELEGATES. Received March 4, 11.43 p.m. LONDON, March 4. The Free Church Council delegates, numbering ',2,000, unanimously resolved to support the Education Bill, after listening to a passionate appeal made by Dr Clifford, on behalf of the Government. Dr Clifford declared that the Bill was a far-seeing and courageous measure, while the Licensing Bill had never been surpassed for comprehensive justice and wisdom.