GOVERNMENT OF NEWFOUNDLAND

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24748, 13 December 1945, Page 5

GOVERNMENT OF NEWFOUNDLAND

PLAN FOR NATIONAL CONVENTION ANNOUNCEMENT BY ATTLEE (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 7 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 11. The United Kingdom Government' had decided to establish an elected National Convention in Newfoundland in 1946, as early as the climate permitted, said the British Prime Minister (Mr C. R. Attlee) in the House of. Commons. This was in pursuance of the statement of policy made on behalf of the Coalition Government in December, 1943, which the present Government fully endorsed. Elections to the Convention would be held broadly on the basis of the former Parliamentary constituencies. All adults would be entitled to vote. A Judge of the Newfoundland Supreme Court would preside over the Convention. Its terms of reference would be to discuss changes in the financial and economic situation of the island since 1934, and to examine the general condition of the country and make recommendations on the possible forms of its future government to put before the people* by a national referendum. Mr Anthony Eden said that the Opposition fully supported the Government's proposals. I Mr James Maxton asked whether Mr Attlee would consider sending out an additional commission or commissions to assist Newfoundland to prepare for the convention, the election, and the referendum. Mr Attlee promised to send the technical <help necessary. Mr Beverley Baxter .asked for an assurance that never again would the Parliament of any part of the Empire i be closed down and the franchise taken away. - .

Mr Attlee replied: "It certainly is not the policy of the present Government to take away representation from any part of the Empire, but I am unable to pledge any future Parliament."