IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2227, 26 June 1908, Page 3

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

OLD AGE PENSIONS BILLc

A SLIDING SCALE ADVOCATED

United Press Association. Copyright

LONDON, June 24, In the debate on tho Old Ago Pensions .Hill, Viscount Cnstleroagh moved that- pensions should not bo paid nt a fixed rate of live shillings, but according to means. Labor members energetically opposed this. ' , Jlr.. Henderson .declared that thousands of trade unionists and members of friendlv societies bad made provision. to ‘the extent of eleven shillings per week; that ought to entitle them to receive pensions of at least four shillings per week. Tho Labor Party refused to accept any sliding scale, a maximum income of 12s or 13s. The principle of a sliding scale, found general acceptance in other quarters of tho House, but there was considerable divergence of opinion respecting the ranging of incomes between 10s and 15s per week, which was considcred too costly, but .Government considering a scalo'of betwoon 8s and 13s adyised acceptance of the amendment as a declaration in favor of a sliding scale. . The Labor Party challenged a division: . ■ . The amendment wn6 carried by-Jo* to 118. THE BRITISH CABINET, CHANGES RUMORED.

United Press Association. Copyright (Received June 26, 12.42 a.in.)

LONDON, June 25. The “Times” states it is rumored in the lobby of the House of Commons that Lord Loreburn resigns, and that that Air. R. 1L Haldane will succeed Kim as Lord High Chancolloi-, Mr. Winston S. Churchill taking the latter’s position as Secretary of State for AVar.