BRITISH PREMIER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 153, 30 June 1934, Page 9

BRITISH PREMIER.

EVE OF RETIREMENT? Belief That Mr. Mac Donald Will Relinquish Office. QUESTION OF SUCCESSOR. (Unftcd T\A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 1.30 p.m.) LOXDOX, June 20. The "Morning Post" says there is a widespread belief in political circles that the Prime Minister, Mr. MacDonald, may not desire to return to office after his approaching , three mon;hs' holiday, even though his eyesight be restored. The policy of strengthening the country's defences, on which the Cabinet has decided, will be rapidly put into operation in the coming months, and it is doubted whether Mr. MaeDonald will wish to be head of a Government of rearmament.

The weight of Conservative opinion would favour Mr. Baldwin as Mr. MacDonald's successor, says the paper, but it might be desirable, in order to preserve the national character of the Government, again to choose a Prime Minister from the minority party. In that ease. Sir John Simon possibly would be considered, although his record does not commend him to the Conservatives. Ministerial Changes. A British official wireless message states , that it is officially announced that the Prime Minister will leave London on Sunday for a short stay at Lossicmouth before going abroad. During his absence Mr. Baldwin will act for him. Changes in the Government consequent upon the resignation of the Minister of Labour, Sir Henry Bettcrton, who has been appointed chairman of the Unemployment Assistance Fund, are announced." His Majesty the King has approved of the following appointments: —

Mr. Oliver Stanley to be Minister of Labour.

Mr. L. Hore-Belisha to be Minister of Transport, vice Mr. Stanley.

Mr. A. Duff Cooper to be Financial Secretary to the Treasury, vice Mr. Hore-Belisha.

Mr. Douglas Hacking to be Financial Secretary to the War Office, vice Mr. DuiT Cooper.

Captain Harry Crookshank to be Parliamentary Undcr-Secretary • for Home Affairs, vice Mr. Hacking.

Tho King' has also approved that Mr. Oliver Stanley shall be sworn of the Privy Council on his appointment as Minister of Labour.