Parliament's Week

COMMONWEALTH (British Commonwealth of Nations)

House of Lords. The House registered its disapproval of certain pacific utterances of William Leach, Under Secretary for Air, by adopting without division the following motion:

P:"That the House, while earnestly desiring further limitation of armaments, so far as consistent with the safety and integrity of the Empire, affirms the principle laid down by the late Government, and accepted by the imperial conference, that Great Britain must maintain a home defence air force of sufficient strength to give adequate protection against air attacks by the strongest air force within striking distance of her shores." (see Page 22.)

House of Commons. Arthur Henderson, Secretary of State for Home Affairs, who was only recently elected (TIME, March 10), created a precedent when he was introduced into the House by his two sons, William and Arthur, both of whom are members. He was loudly cheered when he took the oath and shook hands with the Speaker. The nearest precedent to this was the introduction of Austin Chamberlain 30 years ago by his father and uncle.

P:Tom Shaw, Minister of Labor, announced that the Government intends to hold an inquiry on any dispute 'between employers and employees before it permits a strike to take place. Such action is to be limited to such cases where public needs are jeopardized.

P:Philip Snowden, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced that the Government had decided that it would not be in the public interest to tax betting. "No doubt everyone, from the King to the stable boys, are duly grateful to the Labor Government," said a relieved critic.

P:Said Lady Astor to the Government Benches: "You've got to tell the people of this country that if they want a living wage, they've got to work for it." Retorted the Speaker: "We should get along better if the Honorable Member would realize that her remarks in this House should be addressed to .the Chair. . . . She seems to take a long time to realize this." Replied her ladyship: "I'm always afraid of being rude." Remarked the Speaker: "That's the reason for the rule."

P:On a motion to grant the final installment on a Sudan irrigation scheme, which is sponsored by the Government, because it provides employment, the Left Wing of the Labor Party split with MacDonald. The measure was passed 397 to 43 votes. The 43 represent the dissentient voices from the Clyde. Neil McLean, one of the fiercest Clyde-siders, was particularly indignant and practically accused the Government of treachery to the workers.

P:Major John Jacob Astor, proprietor of The Times, returned from Luxor in a hurry. He took his seat in the House and voted, but quite forgot that he had not taken the oath. The penalty for failing to take the oath before voting is loss of a member's seat and a -L-500 fine. The matter was treated as a great joke. "We all regret," said W. M. R. Pringle (Liberal), "this misadventure to Major Astor. What is the Government's attitude in regard to the pecuniary penalty?" "They are going to take his money," said the Laborite David Kirkwood with glee. But the Government omitted the penalty. Nevertheless, Major Astor has to run again for his seat.

P:Arthur Ponsonby, Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, in reply to questions about Russia, stated: "I am not in a position to state when an Ambassador will be appointed to Moscow. As to whether a credit will be granted to Soviet Russia, and if so, what amount, no Russian proposals have yet been received and far less considered."