The conference began with a move to remove Mre John Charlton from the chair. /. point of order concerning this was moved during the chairman's address; on the chairman ruling the point ‘out of order! there were shouts from the floor- (By what processes of democracy did you become elected,. etce)
Maurice Foley then introduced the N,E.C. document 'Re-building Britain.' Various reslutions on this document were debated; one (Composite 9) being highly critical of the Governments policy and one (Composite 13) being mildly critical. In moving composite 13, Mr. T.L. Keene (Birmingham Spark-~ Brook) said that 'The Labour Government had steered off the course to socialism and it was up to the Y.S. to put it back.! While the Labour Government had done some worthwhile things, such as the rent act and the pension increases, they had also done some disgusting things, as in the case of immigration. The small majority should not be an excuse for stifling criticism. Most speakers were critical of the Government and in winding up this debate Wedg wood Benn failed to arouse any of the points raised. Composite 9 was defeated by 104 votes to 100, while composite 13 was over= whelmingly carried.
The debate on resolution 74 (Discrimination against young immicrants ) and composite 4 (integration of immigrants) was in reality a debate on the Governments immigration white papers the only way in which the matter could be raised under the new constitution was by a round about way, such as was used, stated Mike Caffocr (Hornsey Y.S.) in moving resolution 74. He felt deep shame over the White Paper - it was the fundamental right of every human being to be treated with respect, equality and compassion, ‘'The Labour Party's attitude to the 1961 Immigration Act was the only honourable attitude a socialist could take on this issue,’ he continicd, 'but now the Labour Government has introduced stricter controls.' This vended to make racialism respectable. Mike Ceffoor was given a standing ovation as he left the rostrum. Both the resolutions were carried with only 3-4 delegates supporting the Government by voting against.
In the private session the second half of the Chief Youth Officer's Report (on organisation) was referred back, Composite 14 called, amongst other things, for Rsolutions on general subjects to be discussed at Confer-= ence, the National Committee to be elected at Conference and representation of the Y.S. on the N.E.C. The composite was carried overwhelmingly. Also a resolution calling for a democratically elected editorial board for New Advance was carried by 132 votes to 82 votes,
On Sunday, the chairman said that the N.E.C. had refused to allow the emergency resolutions on foreign policy as ample time had been given to discuss these subjects (Rhodesia, Vietnam and Aden) on the N.E.C.'s state= ment. on foreign policy. This caused considerable uproar. Iater, the conference went on to discuss, but not vote on, the N.E.C. foreig policy statement. The Government's policy on Vietnam was condemned by many speakers. The delegate from Glasgow (Woodside) said that the British Government should give its full support to the Vietcong and went on to say that the British Government should resign from NeA.T.Oe, S.EeAeT.O. and the U.N. and join the Warsaw Pecte
The Conference discussed the N.E.C.!s statement !Industrial Training for Youth,' which was carried on a show of hands,