7 JUNE 1924, Page 1

In the House of Commons on Wednesday Mr. Neville Chamberlain

delivered a shattering attack on the Bill. His speech was cool, deadly in analysis and thoroughly informed at every point—one of the best speeches heard for a long time. It was also very opportune, as Mr. Wheatley had been making a reputation for himself as a sort of Goliath, of whom men were afraid. Ultimately the Government, in order to avoid defeat, accepted an important Liberal amendment which provides that the subsidy may he withheld in the absence of adequate arrangements to increase the supply of labour and of materials at reasonable prices.