BRITISH POLITICS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9117, 17 June 1908, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

CABLE NEWS. United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph Copyright,

OLD AGE PENSIONS BILL. DEBATE iFIIOUSE OF COMMONS. Received June 16, 8.45 p.m. LONDON, June 16. In the House of Commons, Mr D. Lloyd-George, Chancellor of the Exchequer, in moving the second reading of the OkPAge Pensions Bill, promised not to insist rigidly on the 10s limit. The House might if it chose, he said, adopt a sliding scale. The scheme was likely to cost 1\ millions. He admitted that the colonies had more liberal schemes, but they were in a different position, having no great military or naval expense to contend with. The Navy defending them, said Mr George, was maintained by us. Could we be saved even half the naval and military expense the case would have beerfdiffercnt. Although the Oppo-' sition declared that the money required was not provided for that was purely a quibble. (Opposition laughter). He could assure tltem that the Government knew what* it was doing, and where the money was coming from. He added that it was pioposed to exclude from the operation of the Bill the character test in connection with all persons who had bccMi members of a benefit society, flitii ! ly society, or trades union for a decade. Mr H. Cox, Liberal M.P. for Proston, moved an amendment, strongly supporting a contributory scheme on the German model. Lord Cecil, Conservative member for East Marylebone, seconded the amendment. He emphasised 'the Socialistic elements of the measure. Mr J. O'Grady, Labour M.P. for Leeds East, described the Bill as hopelessly inadequate. Mr H. H. Abquith gave notice of motion to allot seven days' discussion to the Bill, five whereof to be devoted to the Committee stages.