18 MAY 1926
The Chancellor of the Exchequer stated in the House of Commons that the effect of the general strike upon direct taxation would mainly appear in next year’s assessments. He saw no reason at present to propose additional taxation.
The state of the nation’s trade was discussed in the House of Commons on a Board of Trade Vote. Sir Robert Horne gave his views on the question of industrial output and efficiency, and laid weight upon recent testimony to American methods. Replying to criticism of the Safeguarding of Industries policy, the President of the Board of Trade declared that there is not the least likelihood of its reversal by the Government.
The Midwives and Maternity Homes Bill, which has passed the Commons, and which, it was stated, had been taken up as a Government measure, was read a second time in the House of Lords. The Economy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill was read a third time and passed, and the Local Authorities (Emergency Provisions) Bill was read a second time.
In the Finance Bill, the text of which was issued, particulars are given of the machinery for the collection of the betting duties, and of the penalties to be imposed in the case of non-compliance with the regulations.
It is officially stated that, in consequence of the recent emergency, all Territorial Army training camps due to assemble on or before 15th June are cancelled.
Mr Winston Churchill was in negotiation in London with M. Péret on the question of France’s war debt to Britain.
Open water at the North Pole was observed by the Amundsen Expedition.