LIBERAL PARTY CRISIS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18831, 20 March 1931, Page 9

LIBERAL PARTY CRISIS.

Support For Government. PACT WITH LABOUR PROBABLE. United Press Association—By E>ec*rlo Telegraph—Copyright (Received March 19,9 7.0 p.m.) LONDON, March 19. Thirty-five attended a Liberal meeting in the House of Commons after Mr Lloyd George had issued a statement on the situation. The meeting decided to defer decision till Tuesday. It.is understood that meanwhile an effort will be made to secure an arrangement whereby the Liberals will undertake to support the Government for a definite term in carrying out a specific policy which will include unemployment schemes. Mr Lloyd George’s scheme is not available, but it is understood that a definite pact with Labour is involved. Meanwhile Sir Archibald Sinclair’s resignation is not accepted. [A message received yesterday stated:—The Government’s defeat on Monday has produced a new crisis in the Liberal Party. An emergency meeting of Liberal Members of Parliament is being held to-night, when, according to political corespondents, Mr Lloyd George intends to do some plain speaking, and will insist on an understanding in regard to future united action. He is angered at the Liberals imperilling the Electoral Bill especially. His first thought was to retire from the leadership of the Party, but he has decided to make another effort to consolidate it. Sir Archibald Sinclair, Chief Liberal Whip, offered his resignation owing to Monday’s split vote. It is recalled that he only accepted office on the understanding that the Party would hang together.]