9 MAY 1925
The Food Commission has issued three reports—one majority, two minority. Their principal recommendation is the establishment of a Food Council, which would maintain a continuing supervision over the staple food trades.
In the House of Commons Mr Rentoul moved second reading of the Representation of the People Act, 1918, Amendment Bill, to provide for the better registration of absent voters. The Home Secretary pointed out that the Act of 1918 said that “any person” could claim to be placed on the absent voters’ list if the registration officer was satisfied that there was a possibility that the claimant, by reason of the nature of his occupation, service, or employment, might be debarred from voting at a Parliamentary election. But he feared that the Bill would operate to circumscribe the law. He would, however, consider whether an Order should be made providing that a man, once on the absent voters’ list, remained on it without repeatedly claiming. The Bill was rejected by 79 to 76.
The Duke of Rutland died suddenly in London.
The death is announced of Lord De Ramsey.
Mr Austen Chamberlain, speaking at the annual dinner of the London Chamber of Commerce, referred to the world’s desire for peace.
Mr Neville Chamberlain, speaking at Birmingham on the Pensions Bill, said it was discreditable and dishonest to try to bamboozle the people with shadows, as the Socialist party was doing to-day.
Mr Lloyd George, speaking in London on the Budget proposals, said he thought Mr Churchill might have used his spare time for the relief of the undoubted pressure on business.