OMINOUS RUMBLINGS IN LABOUR CAMP— Possibility Of Early Election In Britain

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 September 1949, Page 5

OMINOUS RUMBLINGS IN LABOUR CAMP— Possibility Of Early Election In Britain

LONDON, September 21 (Rec 10 a.m.).—The devaluation decision has started a fresh wave of political speculation on the possibility of a general election in November, but Labour quarters do not uphold the suggestion, which many Government supporters ascribe to wishful thinking in the Opposition camp, says Reuter’s political corre-

P The Government would have to be convinced that a fresh man-

date was called for following devaluation before it scrapped its long standing schedule, which times the general election for mid-1950.

Ominous rumblings on the political'Labour side have followed the, news of dearer bread and the possibility of other increases in living costs. Many observers believe that, if there is serious evidence of a loss of confidence on the Labour side and m the country generally, the Government would say, “let the country decide now.” ' , , Informed Government quarters admit that the Conservative election machine is better prepared than Labour for an immediate election, as all

the Labour plans are based on April j next as the earliest. ' Sir Stafford Cripps will meet the : T.U.C. Executive .committee next ; i Monday to discuss devaluation. He : will be told that the main points of . criticism are the Increased bread price, which will affect a.great number of the Lower-paid workers, and other price increases which are certain to come gradually ,and will add . I to the burden. Some degree of unemployment is a possible consequence in due course.