ANTI-COMMUNIST BILL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27504, 26 September 1950, Page 5

ANTI-COMMUNIST BILL

State Labour Parties At Variance PROBLEM FOR EXECUTIVE NZPA—Copyright CANBERRA, Sept. 25. Observers believe that members of the Federal Australian Labour Party executive, which is to meet today, ‘are likely to be so divided on the question of the Communist Party Dissolution Bill that they may make .no public declaration on the question. The attitudes of the State Labour Parties illustrate Labour difficulties concerning the Bilk Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland have asked for all opposition to the Bill to be withdrawn. Western Aus-

tralia and South Australia believe that the Federal Opposition should insist upon the amendments outlined by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr J. B. Chifley, even if it means a double dissolution.

The Labour Party in New South Wales has issued no direction to its delegates, but they are likely to support Western Australia and South Australia, thereby causing a deadlock on the executive.

The amendments to the Bill sought by Federal Labour at last session comprised the extension of the right of appeal in the case of a person declared to be engaged in subversive activities, the fixing of the onus of proof on the Government, and trial by jury.