28 MARCH 1952, Page 5

Mr. Bevan being ill with laryngitis the Parliamentary Labour Party

adopted its new standing orders in an atmosphere of complete placidity. But whether the calm is enduring will depend on the interpretation put on the conscience clause in its new form, permitting members to abstain from voting "on matters of known, deeply held, personal, conscientious convic- tion." Mr. Emrys Hughes could claim a lot of licence under this. However, the conscientious convictions will need to be. "known "—matters of common notoriety.

JANUS