Parliament's Week

P: Commander Kenworthy, Liberal, recently returned from a visit to Russia, mooted the question of Russian recognition. Mr. E. D. Morel, Labor, asked if there was any chance of getting the -L-650,000,000 war debt owed by Russia. Mr. C. P. Trevelyan, Labor, emphasized the necessity of recognizing the Soviet Government. Mr. Ronald McNeill, Conservative Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, answering the questions, said that there was no truth in the assumption that the attitude of the Government toward Russia was due to prejudice against the Soviet form of government. "Britain will not recognize the Russian Government until it establishes a definite civilized legal system in the administration of justice."

P: Answering a fairly general attack by the House on the Government's policy toward the Ruhr occupation, Stanley Baldwin, Conservative Chancellor of the Exchequer, speaking for the Premier, said: "The Government could have done nothing more than it has done, . . . but I believe that the moment may come when our services to the Allies and to Germany may be of immense value."

P: Lady Astor was successful in defeating an amendment to her anti-liquor bill, which aims at preventing the sale of intoxicants to people under the age of 18. The amendment, which was defeated by 30 to 17 votes, was to exempt beer from the scope of the bill. A second amendment to limit conviction to those people who "knowingly" sold drink to youngsters was carried. During debate Mr. J. H. Thomas (Labor), acting as Chairman of Committee, demurred against the constant interruptions and pointed out the retarding effect they had on the progress of the bill. Lieutenant-Colonel Archer-Shee (Conservative) thereupon offered advice in an adapted couplet:

"Oh, woman in our hours of ease, Do let us talk of beer, do let us, please."