BRITISH POLITICS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9615, 8 October 1909, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

IRISH LAND BILL I. RIGHTS OF PEERS r>N FINANCIAL CLAUSES. United Pra33 Association -By Eiejbtb Tu'.egrap Copyright. Received October 7, 8.30 a.m. LONDON, October 6. Lord Crewe, Government leader in the H use of Lords, in the course of the debate on the Irish Land Bill, stated that many of the Lords' amendments to the financial clauses might be regarded by the Commons as a breach of privilege. Ho was willing to these, hut it would be unfortunate if they were sent down to the House. The Marquis of Lausdowne declared that discussion was desirable, because many suggestions were not debated in the Hjuse of Commons owing to the use of the guillotine. Whether the pmposera would think it desirable to press them to a division was another matter LordMilner did not admit that the Lords were precluded from amending Bills because the amendment might in some indirect way affect the exchequer. If the doctrine of privilege were pushed to that extent, he said, the Lords would be prevented from discussing many matters which they had been in the habit of discussing. AN UNEXPECTED ACTION. WHAT IS IN THE AIR? Received October 7, 9.40 p.m.

LONDON, October 7. Lloyd-George, in reply to Mr A. J. Balfour, announced that if the committee stages of the Finance Bill and the third reading of the Development Bill were concluded this week, the House would adjourn until the 18th to enable members to have a full opportunity of considering the amendments on the report stage of the Finance Bill, which would be placed on the Order Paper before the adjournment. Mr A. Henderson, (Labour M.P. for Barnard Castla) objected to the adjournment and suggested that the House should proceed with the Housing and Town Planning Bill. Mr Lloyd George replied: "I don't think the adjournment will prolong the session. It is quite nece3sary that there should be a week's adjournment." The Government's action was quite unexpected, and together with Mr Asquith's visit yesterday to Balmoral, ?s causing much speculation. Many members of the House of Commons believe that a .Budget compromise is in the air.