23 FEBRUARY 1929, Page 3

In the House of Commons on Monday the Local Government

Bill passed its third reading by 292 votes to 118. In the last stage of the debate the appointed leaders of the Opposition took no part, and their deputies could do no more than repeat criticisms already satis- factorily answered. The Bill has emerged without any change in principle, though there have been wise financial concessions. Mr. Chamberlain must be heaitily congratu- lated on an incomparable performance. He has been greatly helped, as he himself generously acknowledged, by Sir Kingsley Wood. In view of the concessions we no longer fear that any district will suffer in its pocket, or that any health service will be starved.

- • * *