NO PROMISES

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 105, 30 October 1931, Page 6

NO PROMISES

UPPER HOUSE REWARDS

ELECTION CANDIDATES

A definite assurance that appointment to the Upper Houso had not been, and would not be, held out as an inducement to candidates to withdraw from election contests in the interests of Coalition adjustments was . given to tho Houso of Representatives yesterday by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes). The Licader of tho Opposition (Mr. H. E. Holland) said it had been freely stated that candidates wero being induced to stand down on tho strength of tho promise of appointment to the Legislative Council. "Neither I nor anyone else has the right to question the /arrangements made by the Government parties regarding candidatures," added Mr. Holland, "but I think* it would considerably relieve the position if the Prime Minister would state definitely that none of tho gentlemen now retiring from candidature will be appointed to the Upper House in the event of the Coalition coming back victorious from the election. It is disquieting to hear the rumours that are current concerning .the arrangements being made in that connection, and if the Prime Minister will make the statement I have asked for we will accept it unreservedly."

■ The Prime Minister observed that rumour was very busy at present, as was always the case just bofore an election. "I wish to state definitely," ho went on, "that no inducement of any description has been offered to any candidate to withdraw, and no promise has been made of any appointments to the Legislative Council. Where candidates withdraw they do so unreservedly and in accordance with their senso of duty to the country as they see it, and on that ground alone. There is no promise of any description in regard to Upper House appointments. Nor will there be. (Hear, hear).