Hackney Borough Council Vacancy (Party Truce)

Oral Answers to Questions — Civil Defence – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 15 March 1945.

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Photo of Sir Austin Hudson Sir Austin Hudson , Hackney North 12:00, 15 March 1945

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a vacancy on the Hackney Borough Council, caused by the death of a Conservative alderman, has been filled by the appointment of a Labour councillor; and as this is a breach of the agreement made between parties as a result of the Local Elections and Register of Electors (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1939, whereby the existing balance of parties was to be retained, whether he will take action to remedy the position thus created.

Photo of Mr Herbert Morrison Mr Herbert Morrison , Hackney South

Yes, Sir. I agree with the view expressed by my hon. Friend, and, as he is aware, I have caused an official communication to be sent to the borough council reminding them of the party truce which was intended to preserve the balance of parties and suggesting that they should take such steps as are possible to repair this apparent breach of the spirit of that truce.

Photo of Mr William Gallacher Mr William Gallacher , Fife Western

How is it that the Minister has sent such a letter and, when I raised a similar case in connection with a Scottish council, the Secretary of State for Scotland said he could not interfere in the matter?

Photo of Mr Herbert Morrison Mr Herbert Morrison , Hackney South

It would not be right for me to answer for the Secretary of State for Scotland, but I have taken this step in cases which, politically, were the other way round, and although this was Hackney and a little bit difficult, I felt I must do my duty.

Photo of Mr Reginald Sorensen Mr Reginald Sorensen , Leyton West

Has the right hon. Gentleman any kind of list of councils that have wrongly put in councillors in this way, and can he say who is winning in the fight?

Photo of Mr Herbert Morrison Mr Herbert Morrison , Hackney South

I do not know. On the whole, the general run of local authorities are carrying out the spirit of the truce, with very few exceptions—some go one way and some the other. I think they ought all to play the game.

Mr. Cooks:

Is not the party truce wearing rather thin?