Catholics may decide the result of the Dumbartonshire by-election, which takes place on Tuesday next. That is the view of political observers on the spot.
Labour candidate is Mr. Tom Steele, who is opposed by Cmdr. R. A. Allan, Conservative. With a Communist candidate also in the field at the General Election, the late Mr. McKinley was returned for Labour with a majority of 613.
A report published in the Daily Worker after the 1945 election to the effect that Mr. Steele had written expressing thanks for Communist aid is being made an issue in the current election and one on which Mr. Steele is threatening legal action.
Said the Times on Tuesday: " With more Roman Catholics than Communists in the division, he has to be careful."