Labour and Liberal Opposition Amendments

Northern Advocate, 27 April 1939, Page 7

Labour and Liberal Opposition Amendments

(Received 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 26. The youth section of the NonConscription League, formed in London to-night, the average age of members being 20, passed a resolution pledging resistance when the Conscription Bill is debated in the House tomorrow.

The following Labour amendment will be moved: “While prepared to take all necessary steps to provide for the safety-of the nation and the fulfilment of its international obligations, the House regrets that the Government, in breach of its pledges, should abandon the voluntary principle, which has not failed to provide the man power needed for defence. The House is of opinion that the measure is illconceived, and, so far from adding materially to the defence of the country, will promote division, discourage national effort, and is further evidence that the Government’s conduct of affairs throughout these critical times does not merit the confidence of the country or the House.”

A Liberal ameridment to the conscription measure states: “While expressing the British people’s firm resolve to make the greatest contribution of which the country is capable to resistance to aggression and the maintenance of world order, this House cannot approve the proposed departure from the principles of voluntary service a"t a time when the rate of recruitment is outpacing the supply of war equipment, nor could it at any time approve a partial system which would place the whole burden of compulsory service on young men between the ages of 20 and 21.”