LABOUR S PLIGHT

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 980, 24 May 1930, Page 9

LABOUR S PLIGHT

HOSTILE POLICY MONT IS DEFEATED SUCCESSOR FOR MOSLEY United P.A. — By Telegraph—Copyright Reed. 12.2X* p.m. LONDON, Friday. Major C. R. Attlee. Labour member of the House of Commons for Limehouse, and at present a member of th-* Simon India Commission, has been appointed to succeed Sir Oswald Mosley, who resigned from the position of Chancellor to the Duchy of Lancaster in Mr. MacDonald's Ministry. The Parliamentary Labour Party by an overwhelming majority defeated Sir Oswald Mosley's motion expressing dissatisfaction with the Government’s handling of the unemployment problem. The wording of the motion was: “That the party is dissatisfied with the Government’s unemployment policy and calls for the formulation of an alternative policy more In accordance with the party’s programme and pledges.” The voting was 210 to 29 against the motion. PLAIN SPEAKING The meeting lasted three hours. It remains to be seen how many of the members will abstain from voting on Wednesday. It is believed that the number will not exceed 10 or 12. In spite of the vote of confidence, which amounted to an act of loyalty to the party’s leader, Mr. MacDonald, Labour members arc deeply disappointed and dissatisfied with the Government’s failure to find a solution of the unemployment problem. There was much plain speaking at the meeting. The trades union members of the House of Commons met while Parliament was sitting and resolved that while sympathising with Sir Oswald’s attitude they would give general support to the Cabinet. SPEEDING UP URGED Subsequently a full special meeting of the party was held. This was attended by the Prime Minister and practically all the members of the Cabinet. Sir Oswald, in the course of an hour’s speech, explained his disagreement with the policy of the Minister in Charge of Unemployment. Mr. J. H. Thomas. He made an impassioned plea for a speeding up of worl: plans. Mr. MacDonald immediately arose and appealed for confidence, laying stress on his difficulties. Cheers indicated that confidence was accorded to him. Mr. MacDonald is to fly to Edinburgh today. A meeting of the Liberal members of Parliament has been fixed for Tuesday to decide upon a course of action in Wednesday’s debate on unemployment.