BRITISH LABOUR PARTY

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 51, 23 November 1928, Page 11

BRITISH LABOUR PARTY

INDICATION OF INTERNAL DISSENSIONS LEADER FLOUTED BY LEFT WING MEMBERS DIVIDED ON A VOTE During a discussion in the House of Commons concerning pensions in the diplomatic service, there was a significant indication of dissensions in the Labour Party, members of the Left Wing flouting Messrs. MacDonald and Thomas. I United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) Loudon, November 21. A significant indication of internal dissensions in the Labour Party was visible in the House of Commons last night, when the Socialist Clyde-siders challenged a Government motion to re"’ rise pensions in the diplomatic service. Mr. D. Kirkwood (Dumbarton) objected to the pensions age of, sixty/ saying that no one should have more than £4OO a year. Mr. Rams"" MacDonald, the Labour leader, strongly supported the Government. urging that State servants must be well paid. There had been too much leakage from the Civil Service into private industry recently. Messrs. Buchanan, Batey, Maxton, and others of the Left Wing, flouted Mr. MacDonald and Mr. J. H. Thomas, who had also supported the Government. After heated exchanges between the Socialist front and back benches, the Clyde-siders forced a division oa. the Government’s motion, which was carried, thirty-three Labourites going into the “No” lobby. • OBJECTS OF THE BILL. ABILITY IN CIVIL SERVICE ESSENTIAL (British Official Wireless.) Eugby, November *2l. The House of Commons last night resolved • by 312 votes to 33 to allow the Introduction of a Bill granting' members of the Diplomatic Service the same pensionable rights as other members of the Civil Services. It was explained that after the amalgamation of the Diplomatic Service with the Foreign Office in 1919, a diplomat who happened to be employed continuously in the Foreign Office could qualify for no pension whatever, since only service abroad counts. The Bill proposed would bring all diplomats under the Civil Service Superannuation Act. One or two members of the Left Wing of the Labour Party criticised the proposal, but Mr. Ramsay MacDonald, leader of the party, disagreed strongly with their comments, and stated that he looked forward to transforming the Civil Service into a 'far more active agency of national organisation and government than at present. The very highest ability was essential in the Civil Service, and- he intended to vote for the one means of making that service so attractive as to prevent its members being tempted into leaving it for better-paid occupations. His view was supported by other members of his party, including Mr. J. H. Thomas and Mr. Charleton, a member of the Selection Boards for the Diplomatic and Consular Services.