DEADLOCK IN THE AUSTRALIAN SENATE LIKELY TO END

Wanganui Chronicle, 17 October 1950, Page 5

DEADLOCK IN THE AUSTRALIAN SENATE LIKELY TO END

Labour Told To Withdraw Opposition To Anti-Communist Bill

CANBERRA, Oel. 16 (Reed. 10.35 p.m.)—The Kedvral oxeevtlive ot the. Australian Labour Party today directed the Parliamentary Labour Party to withdraw its opposition to the Communist Party Dissolution Dill in the lorm in which it is now

before the Senate. The announeemeiit means that Labour will abandon its tight to rot an onus of prool clause in the I’.ill fixed on the Crown and to allow appeal to tlie High Coui'l. The decision is seen as ending the deadlock in Ur- Labour-controlled Senate, where Labour's opposition to tile Bill prevented il becoming law. it is, understood authoritatively that, the voting was eight, to tour in favour of withdrawal of opposition. The executive left, all Labour member!; free Io criticise controversial clauses of th - Bill. Members of the Parliamentary Labour Party are directed "lu insert Labour's ameud-

imcnis in legislation immediately upon I its resumption nC Governmental I An executive statement said 'he de- ' cision Io withdraw opposition was I made “in order to lest the sincerity of the Menzies Government before I the people and give the lie to its false and slanderous allegations I against the Labour Parly.’’ It reported that the Leader of the | Opposition, Mr. Chifley and the Dep-uty-Leader, Doctor Evatt, both strenuously opposed withdrawal of (opposition to the Bill. It. is learned ■ authoritatively that Mr. Chifley will accept the executive’s instruction to I allow the Bill to pass and will not I consider resignation.