PACT WITH LABOUR

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 149, 20 March 1931, Page 9

PACT WITH LABOUR

Lloyd George’s New Plans SUPPORT FOR A TERM Crisis in Liberal Party CHIEF WHIP RESIGNS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. March 19, 8 n.m.) London, March 19. Thirty-five attended a Liberal meeting in the House of Commons. After Mr. Lloyd George had issued t statement on the situation, the meeting decided to defer its decision until Tuesday. It is understood that, meanwhile, an effort will be made to secure an arrangement whereby the Liberals will undertake to support the Government for a definite term in carrying out a specific policy which will include unemployment schemes. Mr. Lloyd George’s scheme is not available, but it is understood that a definite pact with Labour is involved. Sir Archibald Sinclair, Chief Liberal Whip, has resigned, but in the meantime the resignation has not been accepted.

A crisis has arisen iu the Liberal Party as a result of the Government’s defeat on the University representation clause of the Electoral • Bill. . Mr. Lloyd George is angered at the Liberals imperilling the Electoral Bill—a Liberal measure—by withholding support for the clause in Monday’s division. Sir Archibald Sinclair, Chief Liberal Whip, offered his resignation owing to Monday’s split vote. It is recalled that he only accepted office on the understanding that the party would hang together. Mr. Ramsay MacDonald has stated that on the report stage of the Electoral Reform Bill, he will seek to restore the clause abolishing University representation.