ELECTION LOOMING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17183, 29 October 1923, Page 1

ELECTION LOOMING.

GREAT EXCITEMENT IN ENGLISH POLITICAL CIRCLES. A PPEAL MAY BE MADE IN SPRING. By Telesraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.—Aus. and X.Z. Cable Assn. (Received October 29, 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, October 28. The lobbyist of the “ Express ” says that Mr Baldwin's clear hint that a general election is approaching has created great excitement in political circles. The impression the lobbyist obtained from Ministers is that an appeal to the country on the programme of tariff reform and Imperial preference will be made in the spring, before the presentation of the Budget. j The intention to go to the country depends upon the reception that the constituencies give to the Government’s policy. Mr Baldwin’s protection proposals have not taken final shape, and they require a good deal of ministerial consideration before they are announced. Mr Baldwin will probably explain them in a series of speeches before the introduction of the next Budget. The Opposition parties are already active. The Independent Labour Party has warned its branches to prepare for a general election in 1924. The “ Daily Telegraph’s ” political correspondent says that from comment in party circles on Mr Baldwin’s omission of any reference to foreign foodstuffs it is believed that such duties will not come within the Government’s proposals. Home agriculture will be assisted by bounties, but there is no intention of taxing food generally. It is believed that the Government will appeal to the people, but the selection of the psychological moment for the appeal has still to be made.