LABOUR PARTY RIFT

Hokitika Guardian, 4 November 1929, Page 5

LABOUR PARTY RIFT

y OVER UNEMPLOYMENT PAY. (United Press Association—By Electn** , Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, November 2. The Daily News Parliamentary correspondent announces that a crisis is i developing in the Parliamentary Lah- , our Party on a demand for increased unemployment benefit rates. It is understood that the Right Hon. Miss Bondfield has been informed that unless the Bill that is to be introduced. : before Christmas augments these rates ' fifty of the Labour members will enter the Lobby against the Government. Miss. Bondfield has promised to coneider the qeustion and to report to a special meeting of the Party. Miss Bondfield and Mr P. Snowden’s (Chancellor of the Exchequer) though averse to any increase, may bow to the storm and grant a small addition. This, however, will not satisfy the rebels, who (says the correspondent) insist on one pound per week for unemployed men. ten shillings for wives, and five, shillings for each child, which would aggregate £12,500,000 per year, on the 'present unemployment basis. Mr •Snowden, it is understood declares that if the Labourites’ disloyalty jeopardis- .’ es the Cabinet, ho will not carry on hut will resign.