BRITISH ELECTION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 96, 2 February 1938, Page 5

BRITISH ELECTION.

POSSIBLY IN MAY.

INFLUENCES AT WORK. LONDON, Jan. 16. Political influences in the Conservative Party are working for a _ general election in May, says the political correspondent of the “News Chronicle.” Whether or not the Prime Minister, Mr Chamberlain, will yield to the pressure is uncertain. It is suggested that an election would enable the Government to delay unpopular measures, while unemployment might take a turn for. the worse toward the end of the year. An early election will also enable Mr Chamberlain to reconstruct his Ministry. . Against these arguments is the view traditionally held in the City that an election would dislocate business, but experience shows that the City switfly sinks a scruple if it is convinced that a snap election is the best way of avoiding or postponing a Labour Government.

The “News Chronicle” says m a leading article: “The temptation to hold an election while the going is still good is strong, and it is made stronger by the Government’s hope of achieving an Anglo-Irish settlement and of pulling off some big deals in foreign affairs.

“On the other hand, the Government is bound to lose many seats in the next election. The Prime Minister is doubtless balancing the pros and cons, but the feverish activity of the Tory organisation does suggest that an early election is more than possible.