LAST MINUTE PROSPECTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 109, 21 February 1950, Page 3

LAST MINUTE PROSPECTS

ELECTION IN BRITAIN

ALL THE PARTIES CONFIDENT

- (N.Z.P.A.—Copyright) (Rec. 9.55) LONDON, Feb, 20. Both Labour and the Conservatives are confident of the election result The former to-day predicted a clear majority following a great wave of optimism at their headquarters. / Conservative managers reported that a canvass of 90 per cent of the electorate disclosed a pronounced swing to the Right, which was gaining momentum every hour. The Conservative managers declared that a large percentage of the vital 5,000,000 floating vote, it was believed, would vote Conservative on the simple issue of Socialism or no more Socialism. Lord Woolton predicted a neck and neck finish, adding: “When the Conservatives get back—l did not say if they got back.” Labour headquarters are less enthusiastic than the Conservative, but Mr Attlee issued a flat “victory is ours” message to party, candidates. Mr Attlee said: “I am confident the Labour Government will be returned. Much will depend on energy and organisation of these last few days.” Mr Attlee’s warning underlined Labour’s one great fear—that supporters may poll short of full strength. Lord Moynihan, chairman of the Liberal Party, told Sheffield candidates that the Liberals had an even chance of forming a Government. He said the people were beginning to be frightened about extremes.

Quarters close to the main parties made these predictions to-night:— Conservatives—A close finish, but we ought to get a majority of about 40.

Labour Barring accidents, we should return with a majority of 60 to 80.

Some independent observers thought that neither' Labour nor the Conservatives were taking seriously enough the possible effect of the Liberals’ intervention, which may give them the balance of power. Lord Beveridge, in a speech, said the Liberals were tired of being told by the leaders of the other • parties how they should vote. The SocialistConservative argument that the Liberals could, not form a Government was blown out by 475 Liberal candidates. The people now had a choice between three Governments Labour, Conservative and Liberal.

Labour Party organisers are anxiously watching the weather charts. The recent change to milder weather is said to be to Labour’s advantage. They calculate that more of their supporters will go to the polls on foot, and that a sudden change to cold, wet or showery weather on the morning of February 23 would seriously affect their prospects at the poll, which is not compulsory.