M’s.P. Invited To Submit Evidence Against Communists

Grey River Argus, 10 April 1948, Page 5

M’s.P. Invited To Submit Evidence Against Communists

SYDNEY, April 9. After the State Government had gagged and defeated an Opposition move demanding a Royal Commission to inquire into Communist activities, the Premier, Mr. McGirr, countered with an amendment promising legal proceedings against any person against whom members of Parliament, by a statutory declaration, made out. a prima facie case of treason, sedition or criminal conspiracy. An all-day debate on Communism in the Legislative Assembly was gagged late last night. The Assembly then rejected an Opposition motion and approved the amendment by Mi. McGirr by 40 to 22. The amendment was as follows: “In the opinion of this House, the Government has at all times upheld the law of the land. The House invites the Leader of tlie Opposition or any other members of the House to supply in the form of a statutory declaration any evidence that he may have of treason, sedition or criminal conspiracy by any member of the Communist Party or any other party, and promises, providing such evidence in the opinion of the Crown law authorities establishes a prima facie case, that criminal proceedings shall be commenced forthwith.' 1 *