LIBERAL-LABOUR HITCH

Taranaki Daily News, 16 June 1931, Page 7

LIBERAL-LABOUR HITCH

UNDERSTANDING EXPECTED CONFERENCES OF LEADERS DIFFERENCE ON LAND TAX MOTION MAY BE REWORDED British Wireless. Rugby, June 13. More optimistic views are expressed in the Press regarding the political situation arising out of the Government's resistance to the Liberal amendment on land taxation. Yesterday's conference between the Ministers and the Liberals, according to the Daily Herald, eased the crisis. Some progress towards an agreement was made and it is hoped that as a result of a further consultation a basis of agreement will be reached on Monday. The belief that a way out of the difficulty will be found persists in Labour quarters., and it is shared by the Daily Mail. The News-Chronicle says the position is extremely delicate. The Express makes light of the difficulties, which it is believed will be solved by the Liberals redrafting their amendment in acceptable terms. The Morning Post anticipates that an escape be found in this way from the crisis, which, it says, has now ffeen reduced to a mere misunderstanding. The Times says, that in view of yesterday’s talk, which ended in a failure to agree on reasonable and alternative words for the amendment, it id possible that a final decision will not be taken till Tuesday, when the disputed clause is due for consideration in the House of Commons, and a few more days may be gained in which to find a formula.

The Manchester Guardian sees no valid reason why a way out of the difficulty should not be found. It suggests that during Tuesday’s debate Mr. Snowden will ridicule the amendment, but that later in the debate Mr. MacDonald, while stating his opposition to it, will offer to consider a recommendation before the report stage of the Bill is reached. In such case there is little doubt that the Liberal leader will accept the overture. Meanwhile, however, there is a deadlock.