ELECTORAL REFORM

Evening Star, Issue 20672, 20 December 1930, Page 17

ELECTORAL REFORM

LABOUR PARTY’S ATTITUDE PACT WITH LIBERALS DENIED Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, December 18. According to lobbyists, important decisions were reached at a joint meeting of tho Parliamentary Labour Party and tho National Executive of Labour Peers. It is understood that the meeting approved of the text of tho Electoral Reform Bill/ including the alternative vote, restriction on tho use of motor cars at elections, tho division of two-member constituencies, and reductions in candidates’ expenses. Mr Maxton vehemently protested that tho Bill meant yielding to tho Liberals’ blackmail. Mr MacDonald and Mr Henderson denied that there was any pact with the Liberals, but members admit that they obtained tho impression that the price obtained for tho alternative vote is Liberal support for tho Trades Disputes Bill. Sir Oswald Mosley surprised everyone by accepting the Electoral Reform .Bill and appealing for party unity. Mr MacDorihld declared that it would bo political suicide to go to the country at present. Mr Henderson, in supporting this view, made it clear that the party was aiming at remaining in office for a further two years. The hope was expressed that unemployment would diminish.