The clause of the Finance Bill stabilizing Imperial Preference for a period of 10 years was also. adopted, by 234 votes to 115, after rejection of a Labour amendment to reduce the period to two years.
Labour members contended that] the Government were not justified in proposing an arrangement operating beyond their possible tenure of office.
Ronald MeNeill, Secretary to the Treasury, replying, pointed out that Government could bind their successors but he challenged Labour to declare its intention to abolish the Imperial Preference Stabilization Clause.
The remission of Custonis duties on antiques also was agreed upon,—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.