MR ATTLEE’S CABINET

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24632, 31 July 1945, Page 5

MR ATTLEE’S CABINET

MANY APPOINTMENTS TO COME “YOUNG BLOOD TO BE GIVEN OUNCE” LONDON, July 28. Mr Attlee told a meeting of Labour members of the House of Commons that their leaders were determined to have the best team possible for Ministerial and junior Government positions. After he bad been acknowledged with acclaim as the leader of the party, Mr Attlee warned members that some trusted old comrades would be passed over in the appointments still to come. This, he said, must be regarded as giving young blood a chance before older and more experienced men. Members were asked to adopt small groups of newcomers to the House to assist them to - find their feet. Mr Herbert Morrison is head of the Government in London while Mr Attlee is absent in Potsdam. The King’s speech and the State opening of Parliament have been postponed for a week, according to a correspondent quoted by the British Official Wireless. Instead of taking place on August 8, as had been arranged, they will now take place on Wednesday, August 15. This means that the new House of Commons will meet as* expected next Wednesday, when the Speaker will be elected. On Thursday, about 500 new members will , be sworn in. Each member will sign the register, repeat the'oath, and shake hands with Mr Speaker, who will have the unenviable task of memorising all the new names and faces. The swear-ing-in will continue on Friday, and then the House will adjourn for a week’s holiday. Among other things, the postponement will enable Mr Attlee to; (1) complete the talks at Potsdam without undue haste; (2) select his full Ministerial team, which will number more than 100 when the junior apE ointments are Included; (3) draw up abcur’s first' programme which will be set out in general w in the King’s speech. When the King’s speech has been delivered, Parliament will sit for the remainder of that week, and all the following week before the summer recess, which begins on August 24 and will be at least a month shorter than usual. During this fortnight the new Ministers will run the gauntlet of a mass of daily questions. There will be a discussion on the United Nations Charter, which may bring both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary (Mr Bevin) into action, and there will be a full debate over the King’s speech and Including, no doubt, many Conservative amendments and .criticisms.