(Wednesday) Strange things happen at Compositing Meetings, One of the most curious from this years' deliberations in Valley Bridge Gencol is thst which emerged as composite resolution No.39, under the heading "ihe LABOUR GOVERNMENT", The resolution stands in the name of Sheffield, Heeley C.L.P. and Abingdon C.L.P, If delegated study the original resolutions from these parties and compare them with the Composite they would be startled at the transformation. Sheffields original resolution (No. 30 on the agenda) reads as follows:-
"This Conference reaffirms its support of the policies on which the Labour
Government was elected. In doing so, it regrets the failure of the Government
to break the power of vested interests both at home and abroad."
"It calls upon the Government in the future to resist more strongly the
pressures of the Treasury, the City of London and foreign governments"
"Tt re-states its belief that only a government committed to economic
and social justice at home, ready to extend public ownership and plan-
ning, and prepared to conduct an independent foreign policy, can over-
come the deep-seated social and economic problems of Britain," Similarly, Abingdon C,.L.P.supported a resolution (No,33) which is severely critical of the Government's record and "calls upon the Government to pursue socialist answers to both foreign and home affairs...." Somehow, through the mysterious workings of "Compositing" this became. "This Conference expresses satisfaction at the achievements of the Labour Government and re-affirms its loyalty to our Party and its leaders." This opening peragraph is followed by some mildly-worded criticism of Government policy. Even in this mutilated form, however, the powers that be must have considered it damaging to the Government's image. It was placed at the end of Monday's agenda and what with greetings from His Worship the Mayor of Scarborough fraternal greetings and speeches from the platform with no time-limit veateietions, by the end of the day this item had not been reached, This is just one of m in which the democratic rights of delegates are being eroded. —