On Thursday the debate on the Address proceeded, and was
chiefly occupied with Mr. Heir Hardie's amendment, which was a vote of censure on the Government for not dealing adequately with the unemployed problem, being ultimately rejected by a majority of only 40 (201 to 161). The next amendment censured the Government for not having prosecuted the London and Globe Finance Corporation directors. The Attorney-General pointed out that though he had decided not to set the criminal Jaw in motion, it was open to any one else to do so. In the end Mr. Balfour explained that the essential reason why no action was taken was the defective state of the law, and he undertook to introduce legislation amending it in the desired sense. On a division the amendment was defeated by 51 (166 to 115). Such small majorities, even though the Houses were thin, cannot be very agreeable to the Government. This amendment being disposed of, Mr. MacNeill raised the question of Ministers and directorships, but as the debate was adjourned we shall defer all consideration of the matter till next week.
Previous page
