from a special correspondent Spectrum, the regular news analysis section of the Sunday Times, scooped by several days the interim report of the Committee of Enquiry into Party Organisation, Ina piece entitled "Takeover Bid by Transport House", written by George Gardiner, it was pointed out that there is an "...,explosive proposal e-that with the widening of the London Labour Party into a regional councilee. its general secretary and staff should be appointed and _paid by the National Executive. This, it is feared, will make the London secretariat into a mere mouthpiece of Transport House. It will mean the s¢rapping of the strongly democratic organisation built up by Herbert Morrison in the heyday of the London Labour Party, in favour of centralised national control.ss.." The interim report puts it another way: "A greater London Regional Council could become a political and social force of great magnitude, but it must in no way be afforded functions that could be a challenge to the National Executive Committee, or to the authority of the Party Conference" (that's a gem, coming from Transport House! ). Spectrum was quite right in its predictions and a big row is brewing. It is not yet clear whether the reports of High Court writs are true, but I am told that a special emergency meeting of the London Labour Party E.C. has been called. It is highly likely, in that case, that a special statement will be issued denouncing the interim report's proposals, Even if a majority of the E.C. do not take this position, with the moéd being what it is, a minority statement is very likely. All members of the Labour Party in the London area should insist that their organisations support the fight against yet another anti-democratic measure emanating from Transport House, It is highly important that Party conference is clear on this issue.
FI