19 MAY 1925
In moving the second reading of the Widows’, Orphans’, and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill in the House of Commons, the Minister of Health, dealing with criticism that the distribution of benefit was bad, said that the House could alter that without striking at any vital principle. With regard to the burden of the new contributions on industry, he indicated that the question was having the serious and sympathetic consideration of the Government. Mr Wheatley, who moved the Socialist party’s amendment, attacked the Bill and opposed the contributory basis. On the other hand, Mr Lloyd George welcomed the contributory principle while urging temporary respite for industry in the present critical times. The debate was adjourned.
Sir John L. Baird, Bart., M.P., has been appointed Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth of Australia. His appointment creates a vacancy in the parliamentary representation of Ayr Burghs.
Herr Stresemann, in a debate in the Reichstag, said the Dawes Plan would be carried out in the future as it had been hitherto, and he could not imagine any deviation from this policy.
In the Ruhr mining disaster, forty-five bodies have been recovered, and twenty-seven men have received severe injuries.
France is expected shortly to present to Great Britain and America a plan for the settlement of war debts.
It is officially announced that South Africa has resumed the gold currency.
The Indian rupee loan will not be issued.